In a move that has the swimming world buzzing, Texas’ Campbell Stoll has made a bold decision to swap the grueling 400 IM for the explosive 100 fly at the 2026 SEC Championships, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Knoxville, TN. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a strategic masterstroke or a risky gamble? Let’s dive into the details and explore the ripple effects of this decision.
The 2026 SEC Championships, running from Monday, February 16, to Saturday, February 21, at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, are already shaping up to be a highlight of the collegiate swimming calendar. Defending champions Texas are back to defend their title, and with live results, video streams, and detailed schedules available, fans won’t miss a stroke. For those eager to dive deeper, the Psych Sheet and Schedule of Events provide a comprehensive look at what’s in store.
Campbell Stoll, a junior and rising star, has been at the center of attention. After clinching her first SEC title in the 200 fly on Wednesday, Stoll decided to drop the 400 IM, an event where she was the #2 seed and finished third last year. Instead, she’ll tackle the 100 fly, where she’s also seeded second behind her teammate Eva Okaro. But this is the part most people miss: Tennessee’s Mizuki Hirai, a mid-season addition, is lurking as the #5 seed, ready to shake things up. Could this be a tactical error, or is Stoll playing the long game?
From a team perspective, the Longhorns are stronger in the 400 IM, with four swimmers in scoring positions compared to just two in the 100 fly. Angie Coe’s decision to choose the 400 IM over the 100 fly further underscores this imbalance. So, while Stoll’s choice may seem counterintuitive, it could be a calculated risk to maximize individual glory over team points. Is this a selfish move, or a smart play for personal achievement? Weigh in below!
Meanwhile, Ella Jansen of Tennessee, the top seed in the 400 IM, opted out of the 200 free, where she was seeded fifth. With Stoll out of the picture, Jansen now leads the 400 IM by a commanding three seconds. On the men’s side, Baylor Nelson, a Texas transfer, dropped the 200 free for the 400 IM, where he’s the top seed. However, with both events scheduled back-to-back in March, he’ll face a similar dilemma then.
Other notable scratches include Georgia’s Ieva Maluka, who swapped the 200 free for the 400 IM, where he’s now the #3 seed. Tennessee’s Emily Brown, fresh off a second-place finish in the 200 fly, dropped the 100 fly for the 400 IM, where she’s seeded second. And Texas A&M’s Chase Swearingen, a freshman standout, scratched the men’s 100 fly, leaving him with the 50 and 100 free to make his mark.
As the championships unfold, these decisions will undoubtedly shape the outcomes and spark debates. What do you think of Stoll’s choice? Is it a stroke of genius or a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates from Knoxville!
