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Garrett Today
By the People, for the People
NCAA Swimming Champs See Key Scratches on Day 2
Defending 1650 champ Jaouadi skips 200 free, raising strategy questions
Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:24am
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The strategic decisions of NCAA swimmers at the championship level reveal the complex interplay between individual performance and team success.Garrett TodayThe NCAA Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships saw some notable scratches on Day 2, including Florida freshman Ahmed Jaouadi opting out of the 200-meter freestyle after winning the 1650 event. Texas's Garrett Gould and ASU's Jonny Kulow also withdrew from their respective races, sparking discussions around relay strategy and energy management at the highest levels of collegiate swimming.
Why it matters
These scratches provide a glimpse into the complex decision-making and strategic planning that goes into championship-level swimming. Coaches and swimmers must carefully balance individual event performance with relay team success, often making tough choices to conserve energy and optimize their chances of winning.
The details
Jaouadi's decision to skip the 200 free is understandable given his record-breaking 1650 win, as he likely wants to focus his energy on the 500 free and relay events. Gould's scratch from the 100 fly is more surprising, as he was a key member of Texas's 200 medley relay team. These moves suggest teams are prioritizing certain events and relays over others as they vie for the team title.
- The NCAA Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships are currently underway.
- Day 2 prelims took place on April 11, 2026.
The players
Ahmed Jaouadi
A Florida freshman who won the 1650-meter event and decided to skip the 200-meter freestyle.
Garrett Gould
A swimmer for the University of Texas who withdrew from the 100-meter butterfly.
Jonny Kulow
A swimmer for Arizona State University who scratched the 200-meter freestyle.
Logan Robinson
A swimmer for Florida State University who participated in both the 200-meter medley and 800-meter free relays.
What’s next
As the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships continue, the focus will shift to the relay events, where teams will need to carefully manage their lineups and energy levels to secure the best possible results.
The takeaway
The strategic decisions made by swimmers and coaches at the NCAA Championships highlight the complex balance between individual performance and team success. These scratches demonstrate the importance of energy management and relay dynamics in determining the ultimate champions.
