Did Jere Hribar just shatter the record for the fastest 25-yard freestyle split in history? This question is sparking heated debates in the swimming world, and the answer might surprise you. At the 2026 SEC Championships, held from February 16 to 21 at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center in Knoxville, TN, LSU junior Jere Hribar delivered a jaw-dropping performance during the 200 medley relay. His anchor leg split of 17.59 seconds not only cemented his place as the fourth-fastest performer in history but also included an astonishing first 25 yards in just 8.08 seconds—a time that could very well be the fastest ever recorded.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Hribar’s 8.08 split is undeniably impressive, it’s impossible to definitively crown it the fastest due to missing data. The two quickest 50-yard freestyle splits in history, both achieved by Caeleb Dressel at the 2018 NCAA Championships (17.30 and 17.37 seconds), lack detailed 25-yard breakdowns. Dressel’s times are over two-tenths of a second faster than Hribar’s, leaving room for speculation about where that difference lies. However, it’s worth noting that Dressel was known for his weaker relay starts compared to his explosive flat starts, which could tilt the scales in Hribar’s favor.
And this is the part most people miss: Hribar’s 8.08 split matches World Champion Jordan Crooks’ first 25 yards from the same event last year, making them the joint-fastest recorded times. Yet, the absence of Dressel’s 25-yard data keeps the debate alive. Is Hribar’s split truly the fastest, or is there more to the story? The swimming community is divided, and the discussion is far from over.
Looking ahead, the race to break the seven-second barrier for the first 25 yards is heating up. Hribar will have another chance to prove himself in LSU’s 200 freestyle relay on Friday, but he’s not alone. A pack of hungry sprinters across the NCAA is eyeing the same goal, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
For context, here’s a breakdown of the fastest 50-yard freestyle splits and their opening 25-yard times:
| Athlete | Team | Meet | 50 Split | First 25 Split |
|------------------|-----------------|---------------|----------|----------------|
| Caeleb Dressel | Florida | 2018 NCAAs | 17.30 | Unknown |
| Caeleb Dressel | Florida | 2018 NCAAs | 17.37 | Unknown |
| Jordan Crooks | Tennessee | 2025 SECs | 17.42 | 8.08 |
| Jordan Crooks | Tennessee | 2024 Invite | 17.57 | 8.23 |
| Josh Liendo | Florida | 2026 SECs | 17.58 | 8.34 |
| Jere Hribar | Louisiana State | 2026 SECs | 17.59 | 8.08 |
| Jordan Crooks | Tennessee | 2025 Dual | 17.66 | 8.27 |
| Caeleb Dressel | Florida | 2017 NCAAs | 17.71 | 8.40 |
| Jonny Kulow | Arizona State | 2025 NCAAs | 17.78 | 8.30 |
| Chris Guiliano | Texas | 2025 NCAAs | 17.80 | 8.20 |
| Gui Caribe | Tennessee | 2025 NCAAs | 17.81 | 8.33 |
| Vlad Morozov | USC | 2013 NCAAs | 17.86 | Unknown |
| Caeleb Dressel | Florida | 2017 SECs | 17.86 | Unknown |
Thought-provoking question for you: Given the missing data and Dressel’s known weaknesses in relay starts, should Hribar’s 8.08 split be crowned the fastest in history? Or is it too early to make that call? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—this debate is far from settled!
