A thrilling swim meet is making waves in the world of competitive swimming! 🏊‍♂️
Will Modglin, the Texas Longhorn, is on the brink of making history! On the opening night of the 2025 Texas Hall of Fame Invitational, Modglin clocked an astonishing 20.00 seconds in the 50-yard backstroke, leading off the men's 200 medley relay. This lightning-fast performance not only shattered records but also brought us tantalizingly close to witnessing a sub-20-second backstroke swim.
But here's where it gets even more exciting: Modglin's swim is the fastest in history, surpassing the likes of swimming legends Junya Koga (20.35), Ryan Murphy (20.20), and Bjorn Seeliger (20.08). And this is the part most people miss—Modglin's progression has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his high school days, he's consistently shaved off time, going from 20.80 to 20.49 in his freshman year, and now, a mind-boggling 20.00!
The record progression in the men's 50-yard backstroke is a testament to the sport's evolution:
- Junya Koga (Club Wolverine) - 2014: 20.35
- Ryan Murphy (Cal) - 2016: 20.20
- Bjorn Seeliger (Cal) - 2022: 20.08
- Aiden Hayes (NC State) - 2024: 20.07
- Will Modglin (Texas) - 2025: 20.00
Modglin's dominance doesn't stop there. He currently holds the nation's fastest time in the 200-yard backstroke (1:39.41) and the second-fastest in the 100-yard backstroke (44.46). But the plot thickens—ASU's Adam Chaney, who also broke Murphy's record in 2022 with a 20.19 swim, is the current season's leader in the 100-yard backstroke and is breathing down Modglin's neck in the 200-yard event.
As the meet continues, the swimming world eagerly awaits Modglin's performance in the 100-yard backstroke and Chaney's potential challenge in the 50-yard backstroke. Will Modglin solidify his place in swimming history? Or will Chaney rise to the occasion and spark a new rivalry? Stay tuned, as the pool promises more thrilling moments!
What do you think about Modglin's historic swim? Is a sub-20-second backstroke within reach? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
