Tennessee's Jillian Crooks Wins SEC 100 Backstroke Title

Crooks drops over a second off her personal best to claim victory in thrilling race

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:31am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the fluid motion and raw energy of a swimmer racing through the water, capturing the excitement and triumph of Jillian Crooks' historic victory.Jillian Crooks' record-breaking performance in the 100 backstroke at the 2026 SEC Championships showcases her rising talent and potential for future Olympic glory.Knoxville Today

At the 2026 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee, rising star Jillian Crooks of the University of Tennessee won the women's 100-yard backstroke title with a stunning time of 50.50, over a second faster than her previous best and just shy of the SEC record.

Why it matters

Crooks' victory marks a significant milestone in her swimming career, as it is her first SEC title. Her dramatic improvement and record-breaking performance solidify her status as an emerging force in the sport and a potential future Olympian.

The details

In the 100 backstroke final, Crooks outswam Emily Jones of Alabama, who finished second with a time of 50.59. Zoe Carlos-Broc of LSU and Catie Choate of Florida rounded out the top four. Crooks' time not only beat the 2026 NCAA qualifying standard of 52.65 but also came within striking distance of the SEC record of 49.20 set by Bella Sims of Florida in 2025.

  • The 2026 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships were held at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • Crooks' previous best time in the 100 backstroke, 51.54, had stood since December 2023.

The players

Jillian Crooks

A rising star swimmer from the University of Tennessee who won the women's 100-yard backstroke title at the 2026 SEC Championships with a time of 50.50.

Emily Jones

A swimmer from the University of Alabama who finished second in the women's 100-yard backstroke at the 2026 SEC Championships with a time of 50.59.

Zoe Carlos-Broc

A swimmer from Louisiana State University who finished third in the women's 100-yard backstroke at the 2026 SEC Championships with a time of 51.14.

Catie Choate

A swimmer from the University of Florida who finished fourth in the women's 100-yard backstroke at the 2026 SEC Championships with a time of 51.36.

Bella Sims

A swimmer from the University of Florida who set the SEC record in the women's 100-yard backstroke with a time of 49.20 in 2025.

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What’s next

Crooks will now set her sights on the 2026 NCAA Championships, where she will look to build on her SEC title and potentially challenge for a national championship.

The takeaway

Jillian Crooks' dramatic victory in the 100 backstroke at the 2026 SEC Championships showcases her remarkable improvement and potential as an elite swimmer. Her record-breaking performance has cemented her status as a rising star in the sport and a promising prospect for future Olympic success.