Ivy League Women's Swimming Championships: Day 2 Prelims Recap

Defending champions look to fend off rising stars in thrilling races

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:05pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting an abstract, fragmented scene of a women's swimming competition, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and white suggesting the motion and energy of the swimmers.The Ivy League Women's Swimming Championships promise a thrilling display of athletic talent and competitive spirit, as defending champions face off against rising stars in a battle for conference supremacy.Providence Today

The second day of the 2026 Ivy League Women's Swimming and Diving Championships is underway, with several marquee events set to take center stage. Reigning champions Alexandra Bastone of Harvard and Eleanor Sun of Princeton headline the 500 freestyle and 200 IM, respectively, but face stiff challenges from up-and-coming talents like Carolina Daher and Jessey Li. The 50 freestyle also promises a razor-thin battle, with Princeton's Sabrina Johnston aiming for her third straight title.

Why it matters

The Ivy League championships are a prestigious annual event that showcases the top collegiate swimmers in the Northeast. These races not only determine individual and team champions, but also serve as a springboard for swimmers eyeing spots on national teams and professional careers. The intense competition and high stakes make for must-watch viewing for swimming fans.

The details

In the 500 freestyle, Harvard's Alexandra Bastone will look to defend her title against Carolina Daher of Harvard, who has the top time in the conference this season. Bastone set a personal best of 4:38.75 to win the 2025 championship, but Daher's impressive 4:42.98 at the Minnesota Invite suggests she has the talent to unseat the defending champ. Penn's Anna Moehn, the 2025 runner-up, and Brown's Natalie Garre, the NCAA Division II champion, will also be in the mix. The 200 IM features a showdown between Princeton's Eleanor Sun, the defending champion who swept all three individual titles last season, and her teammate Sophie Segerson. Sun owns the conference's top time this season at 1:56.11, but Yale's Jessey Li has also been swimming exceptionally well, lowering her personal best to 1:58.83. The 50 freestyle is shaping up to be a nail-biter, with 10 swimmers seeded under 23 seconds. Princeton senior Sabrina Johnston is the favorite, aiming for her third straight title, but Harvard's Blythe Wieclawek and Princeton's Sophia Sunwoo are close behind.

  • The 500 freestyle final is scheduled for Friday, April 18th at 6:30 PM EDT.
  • The 200 IM final will take place on Saturday, April 19th at 5:00 PM EDT.
  • The 50 freestyle final is set for Saturday, April 19th at 6:15 PM EDT.

The players

Alexandra Bastone

A senior swimmer at Harvard University and the defending champion in the 500 freestyle event.

Carolina Daher

A freshman swimmer at Harvard University who has the top time in the conference in the 500 freestyle this season.

Eleanor Sun

A junior swimmer at Princeton University and the defending champion in the 200 IM, having swept all three individual titles last season.

Sabrina Johnston

A senior swimmer at Princeton University and the defending champion in the 50 freestyle, aiming for her third consecutive title in the event.

Jessey Li

A sophomore swimmer at Yale University who has been swimming exceptionally well in the 200 IM, lowering her personal best to 1:58.83.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to get back in the pool and defend my title. The competition is going to be fierce, but I'm ready to give it my all.”

— Alexandra Bastone, Harvard University Senior

“This is my first Ivy League championships, but I've been training hard and I'm confident I can give the veterans a run for their money.”

— Carolina Daher, Harvard University Freshman

“The 200 IM is always one of the most exciting events, and I'm looking forward to another great battle with my teammate Sophie. We push each other to be our best.”

— Eleanor Sun, Princeton University Junior

What’s next

The finals for the 500 freestyle, 200 IM, and 50 freestyle will take place over the next two days of the Ivy League Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. Fans can expect to see the defending champions try to fend off the rising stars, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the meet.

The takeaway

The second day of the Ivy League Women's Swimming Championships promises to deliver high-stakes, high-drama races as the conference's top swimmers vie for individual titles and team supremacy. With several returning champions facing stiff challenges from up-and-coming talents, these events will showcase the depth and competitiveness of Ivy League swimming.