ASU Dominates Day 2 of 2026 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships

Controversy swirls as Big 12 declines to mirror NCAA event format

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:49am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors and dynamic shapes, depicting the energy and competition of a swimming event without any identifiable individuals or logos.The Big 12 Championships showcase the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of collegiate swimmers, as captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Provo Today

The second day of the 2026 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships was filled with thrilling performances, particularly from Arizona State University. ASU swimmers swept multiple events, including the women's 500 freestyle, 200 IM, and 50 freestyle, as well as the men's 50 freestyle. However, the decision by the Big 12 to not mirror the format of the 2026 NCAA Championships sparked debate among fans and athletes.

Why it matters

The Big 12 Championships are a key stepping stone for swimmers aiming to qualify for the NCAA Championships. The conference's decision to diverge from the NCAA format has raised questions about fairness and consistency for the athletes. Additionally, ASU's dominant performance has solidified their position as a swimming powerhouse in the conference.

The details

In the women's events, Kansas junior Shiyun Lai claimed her second consecutive Big 12 title in the 1-meter diving finals, while Arizona State University swimmers swept the top three spots in the 500 freestyle, 200 IM, and 50 freestyle. On the men's side, Utah swimmers Nick Chirafisi and Jones Lambert finished first and second in the 500 freestyle, while ASU's Jordan Tiffany won the 200 IM. The men's 50 freestyle was dominated by ASU, with Ilya Kharun setting a new meet record.

  • The 2026 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships took place on April 12, 2026.
  • The NCAA Championships are scheduled to take place later in 2026, but the Big 12 has decided not to mirror the format of the NCAA event.

The players

Shiyun Lai

A junior at the University of Kansas, Lai won her second consecutive Big 12 title in the women's 1-meter diving finals.

Deniz Ertan

A swimmer for Arizona State University, Ertan broke the NCAA qualifying standard in the women's 500 freestyle, earning an automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Championships.

Nick Chirafisi

A swimmer for the University of Utah, Chirafisi set a new personal best in the men's 500 freestyle, earning his first NCAA berth.

Ilya Kharun

An Arizona State University swimmer, Kharun set a new meet record in the men's 50 freestyle.

Big 12 Conference

The collegiate athletic conference that hosted the 2026 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships, which decided not to mirror the format of the 2026 NCAA Championships.

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What they’re saying

“The Big 12's decision not to mirror the NCAA Championships format has sparked a lot of debate among fans and athletes. It's important to ensure fairness and consistency for the swimmers as they work towards their goals.”

— Deniz Ertan, Arizona State University Swimmer

What’s next

The controversy surrounding the Big 12's decision not to mirror the NCAA Championships format is likely to continue, with fans and athletes voicing their opinions. The final day of the Big 12 Championships on April 13, 2026 will be closely watched to see if the conference addresses the issue or if the debate continues.

The takeaway

The 2026 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships have showcased the dominance of Arizona State University, with the Sun Devils winning multiple events and setting new records. However, the conference's decision to diverge from the NCAA Championships format has raised questions about fairness and consistency for the athletes, sparking a debate that is likely to continue in the coming days.