After a three-year hiatus from breaking records in his signature event, Luca Urlando has returned to the top of his game with a stunning performance in the 200-yard butterfly. The Georgia senior clocked a blistering 1:37.17 to break the American record, surpassing Jack Conger’s previous mark by 18-hundredths of a second.
Urlando’s achievement comes just months after he made headlines at the 2022 NCAA Championships, where he set an American record in the 100 backstroke—an event that had previously eluded him. In that meet, Urlando secured third in the 200 IM and second in the 100 fly by a razor-thin margin of just nine hundredths of a second. Later, his performance as the leadoff swimmer for Georgia’s 400 medley relay set a new standard in the 100 back, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s most versatile swimmers.
Breaking New Records
Fast forward to the present, and Urlando is once again breaking records. His new 200 fly mark places him at the forefront of the event, eclipsing Arizona State’s Ilya Kharun, who had previously held the third-fastest time in history. Kharun, who won Olympic bronze in both butterfly events, will now have to contend with Urlando in an exciting showdown at the NCAA Championships in March. The competition is expected to intensify, with rising stars like Dare Rose, Gabriel Jett, and Aiden Hayes also vying for podium spots.
Dominating the 100 Fly
In addition to his prowess in the 200 fly, Urlando has emerged as a top contender in the 100 fly, having posted the fastest time in the country this season at 43.62 seconds during a meet against Tennessee. His victory was particularly impressive, with Urlando finishing over one and a half seconds ahead of the previous national leader, Jordan Crooks.
Overcoming Adversity
Urlando’s journey has been anything but smooth. In 2022, a shoulder injury sidelined him for seven months, but his determination saw him return to the water, initially focusing on freestyle. His eventual return to butterfly saw him battling through slower times, but by the time of the U.S. Olympic Trials, he was back in top form, securing a second-place finish in the 200 fly.
Reflecting on Success
Reflecting on his recent success, Urlando expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery. “Just immense gratitude for all the people that were there for me through injury,” he said in a press release. “This has been a special event for me since I was young, so to have that record means a lot.”
Looking Ahead
As Urlando heads into the final stretch of his collegiate career, he remains a contender for both SEC titles and an NCAA Championship. In addition to his record-breaking performances in the 200 fly, he has also posted impressive times in the 200 free and 200 IM, ranking in the top 10 nationally in the latter event.
Coach’s Praise
Georgia men’s coach Neil Versfeld praised Urlando’s continued growth, saying, “It’s fun every day to see the speeds he can throw down. To have him put a suit on here at the end of January and throw down an American record, it’s very exciting. SECs and NCAAs next month are going to be fun to watch.”
A Promising Future
With his remarkable comeback from injury and continued success, Urlando is poised to cap off his career in stunning fashion, making him one of the most exciting swimmers to watch in the upcoming championship season.
