UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COMMUNICATIONS
Florida Swim & Dive
Friday, Feb. 21, 2025
Contact: Abby Wisecup
Gators Stun in Friday Finals with Two NCAA Records and Five Gold Medals
The men’s 400 medley relay team of Jonny Marshall, Julian Smith, Josh Liendo and Alex Painter close out night five of SEC Championships with a 2:55.66 time to break the former NCAA record by 1.66 seconds.
Championship Central<https://georgiadogs.com/feature/sec-swim-2025> | Friday Results<https://floridagators.com/common/controls/doc_handler.aspx?doc=38542>
ATHENS, Ga. – The Gators closed out night five of the 2025 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships in historic fashion, capturing gold in the final five swimming events and setting two NCAA records on Friday night at the University of Georgia’s Gabreislen Natatorium.
In total, Florida took home seven total medals, while cataloging two NCAA, five program, five SEC Meet, four SEC and four pool records. Additionally, eight program top-ten times were updated.
With one day of competition remaining, the men remain in second, sitting 162 points away from the top spot. The woman continue to exchange the second-place spot with Tennessee, as the Gators currently sit 20 points behind the Lady Vols in third.
Julian Smith was part of both NCAA records broken tonight, as the senior captured his second individual title of the week in the 100 breaststroke. After having the fastest morning time, Smith’s 49.51 broke the previous record set at last year’s NCAA Championships by two-hundredths of a second. His time improves his program record set in last November and is also an American, US Open, SEC and SEC Meet and pool record. He becomes the 13th Gator to win the 100 breaststroke and marks Florida’s third-straight gold.
Smith also swam the breast leg in the men’s 400 medley relay team, who smashed the NCAA record by 1.66 seconds. Jonny Marshall swam his second 100 back of the night in 43.91 to Smith, who is the only senior on the event. He went 48.95 before Josh Liendo extended the Gators lead with his 42.12 fly split, which becomes the fastest split ever. Anchoring the relay was freshman Alexander Painter, who swam an impressive 40.68 free leg to seal the victory by over four seconds. Their 2:55.66 time is also a SEC, SEC Meet, NCAA and US Open records.
The women’s 400 medley relay team of Bella Sims, Anita Bottazzo, Olivia Peoples and Micayla Cronk earned Florida’s first title since 2005. The four posted a program and SEC Meet record time of 3:24.78, while Sims’ leadoff 48.97 back split sits third-best all-time and is the fastest in the country this season. Her performance reset her program, SEC and SEC Meet record that she recorded an hour earlier in the 100 back final.
Florida swept the individual 100 back final for the second-straight year, as Sims and Marshall both now hold the program, SEC Meet and pool record. Marshall defended his title after throwing down a 43.73 to record his first time under 44 seconds. His now carries the fastest time in the NCAA this year and the seventh-fastest time in NCAA history. Sims became the ninth Gator in history to win the event after earning her first SEC title of the meet with a time of 49.20.
Freshman Anita Bottazzo and senior Aleksas Savickas collected Florida two bronze medals of the night in the 100 breast. Bottazzo made her first SEC podium appearance after going 57.65. Savickas went 51.15 to round out his medal collection in the event, adding bronze to his gold and silver medals from 2023-24.
Hear from the Gators
Sophomore Bella Sims
On throwing down an SEC record and why she chose to swim the 100 back:
“I learned to love the 100 backstroke as soon I got to college. The underwaters are always in my favor, the shorter the event the more of them I can do.”
On her underwaters… coming naturally to her or something she works on every day:
“I’d say it both. Every day I try to hit my kick count, especially in this race. Working on it every day in practice.”
Sophomore Jonny Marshall
On what he is focusing on when swimming in a race that is so tight to make sure he gets his hand on the wall first:
“Coach Nesty said to me this morning you have to be really clean on the break outs and hammer it down, so that’s all I was really thinking about. The results showed and I’m really happy with it.”
On coming into the event tonight knowing he had a title to defend:
“I think last year I was generally unknown and I surprised myself. Now I know what I am capable of so I think there is a little added pressure, but being a Gator and knowing that I have the heart to do it just makes it all work.”
Senior Julian Smith
On if he knew a 49.51 was in the cards tonight:
“Um, Yeah.” We work so hard, so I know I am capable of it. Seeing the team do well and watching Jonny tonight fired me up.”
Women’s 400 Medley Relay Team
On how Sims started off the relay with the third-fastest performance in history and a new SEC record after her 100 back performance moments before:
“Honestly, I don’t even know. Nesty said to me, “your first 25 could have been better.” So, I was like, lets execute.”
On Cronk’s confidence anchoring the relay leg after her three teammates had set her up for success:
“So much confidence. These three are great and the best teammates I could ask for.”
Men’s 400 Medley Relay Team
Marshall on if the NCAA record was on the docket tonight:
“100 percent, yes it was. With these guys, there is no way it wasn’t happening tonight.”
Smith on how Coach Nesty was going to be:
“I hope he is really happy. I am so happy for these guys and especially for Alex Painter as a freshman, look at him.
Liendo on going into a relay and who is the guy who pumps everyone up before the final:
“I’m getting them pretty hyped. It’s been such a privaledge to watch these guys grow and get better. To see Painter come in and do his part as a freshman, I just try to get him going while doing my part at the same time.”
Painter on being a freshman on a relay team that just broke an NCAA record by over a second and a half:
“I mean not really too hard when you’re following three champions. I was there in the end to just touch the wall. It was good fun and first SEC’s and I’ve loved it.”
Up Next
Your 2025 Men’s and Women’s SEC Swimming and Diving Champions will be crowned tomorrow as Saturday marks the final day of competition. At 9:30 a.m., prelims for the 200 back, 100 free and 200 breast get underway. The men will take their turn heading up the tower for platform prelims 11:30 a.m. before 1650 free heats begin at 1:45 p.m. Championship Finals begin at 5:30 p.m., with the 400 free relay being the closer. All prelims and finals sessions can be viewed live on SEC Network+, and live results can be found on @GatorsSwimDV socials, Dive Meets or on Meet Mobile.
Men’s Team Rankings After Day Five
1.
Texas
1091
2.
Florida
929
3.
Tennessee
713.5
4.
Georgia
642.5
5.
Texas A&M
503
6.
Auburn
427.5
7.
Alabama
425
8.
LSU
413
9.
Kentucky
320.5
10.
Missouri
251
11.
South Carolina
250
Women’s Team Rankings After Day five
1.
Texas
1157.5
2.
Tennessee
854
3.
Florida
834
4.
Georgia
538.5
5.
Texas A&M
503
6.
South Carolina
494
7.
LSU
470
8.
Alabama
459
9.
Auburn
407.5
10.
Missouri
288.5
11.
Kentucky
249
12.
Arkansas
210
13.
Vanderbilt
135
Florida Medal Count: 22 total
Gold Medals:
1. Camyla Monroy – women’s 1-meter diving
2. Alexander Painter, Josh Liendo, Julian Smith, Jake Mitchell – Men’s 800 free relay
3. Julian Smith – 200 IM
4. Emma Weyant – 400 IM
5. Josh Liendo – 100 butterfly
6. Conor Gesing – men’s 1-meter diving
7. Bella Sims 100 backstroke
8. Jonny Marshall – 100 backstroke
9. Julian Smith – 100 breaststroke
10. Bella Sims, Anita Bottazzo, Olivia Peoples, Micayla Cronk – Women’s 400 medley relay
11. Jonny Marshall, Julian Smith, Josh Liendo, Alex Painter – Men’s 400 medley relay
Silver Medals:
1. Conor Gesing – men’s 3-meter diving
2. Jonny Marshall, Julian Smith, Scotty Buff, Ed Fullum-Huot – Men’s 200 medley relay
3. Josh Liendo, Alexander Painter, Ed Fullum-Huot, Scotty Buff – Men’s 200 free relay
4. Josh Liendo – 50 freestyle
5. Olivia Peoples – 100 butterfly
Bronze Medals:
1. Catie Choate, Anita Bottazzo, Olivia Peoples, Micayla Cronk – Women’s 200 medley relay
2. Julie Brousseau, Bella Sims, Emma Weyant, Micayla Cronk – Women’s 800 free relay
3. Julie Brousseau – 500 freestyle
4. Bella Sims – 200 IM
5. Scotty Buff – 100 butterfly
6. Anita Bottazzo – 100 breaststroke
Record Count
NCAA:
1. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
2. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
American:
1. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
US Open:
1. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
2. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
Program:
1. Men’s 800 Free Relay 6:02.50 A. Painter, J. Liendo, J. Smith, J. Mitchell
2. Men’s 200 Free Relay 1:13.29 J. Liendo, A. Painter, E. Fullum-Huot, S. Buff
3. Men’s 1-Meter Diving 412.75 Conor Gesing
4. 100 Backstroke 48.97 Bella Sims
5. 100 Backstroke 43.73 Jonny Marshall
6. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
7. 400 Medley Relay 3:24.78 B. Sims, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
8. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
SEC:
1. Men’s 800 Free Relay 6:02.50 A. Painter, J. Liendo, J. Smith, J. Mitchell
2. 100 Backstroke 48.97 Bella Sims
3. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
4. 400 Medley Relay 3:24.78 B. Sims, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
5. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
SEC Meet:
1. Men’s 800 Free Relay 6:02.50 A. Painter, J. Liendo, J. Smith, J. Mitchell
2. 100 Butterfly 43.70 Josh Liendo
3. 100 Freestyle 43.23 Josh Liendo
4. 100 Backstroke 48.97 Bella Sims
5. 100 Backstroke 43.73 Jonny Marshall
6. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
7. 400 Medley Relay 3:24.78 B. Sims, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
8. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
Gabrielsen Natatorium:
1. Men’s 800 Free Relay 6:02.50 A. Painter, J. Liendo, J. Smith, J. Mitchell
2. 200 IM 1:39.38 Julian Smith
3. 100 Butterfly 43.70 Josh Liendo
4. 100 Freestyle 43.23 Josh Liendo
5. 100 Backstroke 48.97 Bella Sims
6. 100 Backstroke 43.73 Jonny Marshall
7. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
8. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
NCAA A-Cut Times (From finals session only)
Women
1. 200 Medley Relay 1:34.34 C. Choate, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
2. 800 Free Relay 6:53.53 J. Brousseau, B. Sims, E. Weyant, M.Cronk
3. 200 Free Relay 1:28.24 B. Sims, M. Cronk, O. Peoples, A. Reese
4. 500 Freestyle 4:34.59 Julie Brousseau
5. 200 IM 1:53.63 Bella Sims
6. 400 IM 3:59.24 Emma Weyant
7. 100 Backstroke 48.97 Bella Sims
8. 100 Breaststroke 57.65 Anita Bottazzo
9. 400 Medley Relay 3:24.78 B. Sims, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
Men
1. 200 Medley Relay 1:20.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, S. Buff, E. Fullum-Huot
2. 800 Free Relay 6:02.50 A. Painter, J. Liendo, J. Smith, J. Mitchell
3. 200 Free Relay 1:13.29 J. Liendo, A. Painter, E. Fullum-Huot, S. Buff
4. 200 IM 1:39.38 Julian Smith
5. 50 Freestyle 18.35 Josh Liendo
6. 100 Butterfly 43.23 Josh Liendo
7. 100 Butterfly 44.28 Scotty Buff
8. 100 Backstroke 43.73 Jonny Marshall
9. 100 Breaststroke 49.51 Julian Smith
10. 400 Medley Relay 2:55.66 J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
Florida Top-Ten Times
Women
Event
Top-10 placement
Time
Swimmers
800 free relay
No. 2
6:53.53
J. Brousseau, B. Sims, E. Weyant, M.Cronk
200 medley relay
No. 3
1:34.34
C. Choate, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
200 free relay
No. 9
1:28.24
B. Sims, M. Cronk, O. Peoples, A. Reese
500 freestyle
No. 5
4:34.59
Julie Brousseau
200 IM
No. 5
1:54.08
Lainy Kruger
200 freestyle
No. 7
1:43.90
Lainy Kruger
400 IM
No. 7
4:03.93
Mabel Zavaros
400 IM
No. 8
4:04.21
Julie Brousseau
200 butterfly
No. 10
1:55.62
Addison Reese
100 backstroke
No. 1
No. 6
No. 10
48.97
51.54
52.38
Bella Sims
Catie Choate
Carly Meeting
400 medley relay
No. 1
3:24.78
B. Sims, A. Bottazzo, O. Peoples, M. Cronk
Men
Event
Top-10 placement
Time
Swimmers
800 Free Relay
No. 1
6:02.50
A. Painter, J. Liendo, J. Smith, J. Mitchell
200 Medley Relay
No. 2
1:20.66
J. Marshall, J. Smith, S. Buff, E. Fullum-Huot
200 Free Relay
No. 1
1:13.29
J. Liendo, A. Painter, E. Fullum-Huot, S. Buff
200 IM
No. 2
1:39.38
Julian Smith
50 Freestyle
No. 3
No. 5
18.73
18.80
Scotty Buff
Alexander Painter
400 IM
No. 8
3:48.46
Gio Linscheer
200 Freestyle
No. 3
1:31.13
Alexander Painter
100 Butterfly
No. 3
44.28
Scotty Buff
1-Meter diving
No. 1
412.25
Conor Gesing
100 Backstroke
No. 1
43.73
Jonny Marshall
100 Breaststroke
No. 1
49.51
Julian Smith
400 Medley Relay
No. 1
2:55.66
J. Marshall, J. Smith, J. Liendo, A. Painter
Day Four Complete Results
Results from Friday’s events can be found below
Friday, Feb. 21
9:30 a.m. Prelims
Women’s 200 Butterfly
* 11th place: Addison Reese – 1:55.62 (B-cut)
* 12th place: Lainy Kruger – 1:56.00 (B-cut)
* 32nd place: Julia Heimstead – 1:59.62
Men’s 200 Butterfly
* 17th place: Mason Laur – 1:43.43 (B-cut)
Women’s 100 Backstroke
* 2nd place: Bella Sims – 50.76 (B-cut)
* 5th place: Catie Choate – 51.54 (B-cut)
* 16th place: Carly Meeting – 52.69 (B-cut)
* 25th place: Katie Schroeder – 53.17 (B-cut)
Men’s 100 Backstroke
* 1st place: Jonny Marshall – 44.35 (A-cut)
* 6th place: Scotty Buff – 45.23 (B-cut)
* 11th place: Aiden Norman – 45.96 (B-cut)
* 12th place: Caleb Maldari – 46.11 (B-cut)
Women’s 100 Breaststroke
* 3rd place: Anita Bottazzo – 58.24 (B-cut)
* 7th place: Molly Mayne 58.97 (B-cut)
* 20th place: Olivia Peoples – 1:00.88 (B-cut)
* 31st place: Gracie Weyant – 1:01.33
* 38th place: Grace Rainey – 1:02.50
Men’s 100 Breaststroke
* 1st place: Julian Smith – 50.46 (A-cut)
* 3rd place: Aleksas Savickas – 51.35 (B-cut)
* 28th place: Peter Bretzmann – 53.26 (B-cut)
Women’s Platform Prelims
Camyla Monroy | 5th place | 279.00
* Round 1 – 66.00
* Round 2 – 52.80 / 118.80
* Round 3 – 33.60 / 152.40
* Round 4 – 59.40 / 211.80
* Round 5 – 67.20 / 279.00
Casey Greenberg | 13th place | 238.55
* Round 1 – 50.40
* Round 2 – 46.50 / 96.90
* Round 3 – 44.80 / 141.70
* Round 4 – 49.00 / 190.70
* Round 5 – 47.85 / 238.55
Women’s Platform B Final
Casey Greenberg | 3rd place | 256.60
* Round 1 – 58.80
* Round 2 – 58.50 / 117.30
* Round 3 – 51.20 / 168.50
* Round 4 – 50.40 / 218.90
* Round 5 – 37.70 / 256.60
5:30 p.m. Finals
Women’s 200 Butterfly
B Final
* 10th place: Addison Reese – 1:55.03 (B-cut)
* 12th place: Lainy Kruger – 1:55.08 (B-cut)
Men’s 200 Butterfly
C Final
* 18th place: Mason Laur – 1:43.03 (B-cut)
Women’s 100 Backstroke
Championship Final
* 1st place: Bella Sims – 49.20 (A-cut)
* 7th place: Catie Choate – 51.58 (B-cut)
B Final
* 15th place: Carly Meeting – 52.38 (B-cut)
Men’s 100 Backstroke
Championship Final
* 1st place: Jonny Marshall – 43.73 (A-cut)
* 7th place: Scotty Buff – 45.37 (B-cut)
B Final
* 11th place: Caleb Maldari – 45.96 (B-cut)
* 13th place: Aiden Norman – 46.22 (B-cut)
Women’s 100 Breaststroke
Championship Final
* 3rd place: Anita Bottazzo – 57.65 (A-cut)
* 7th place: Molly Mayne – 58.90 (B-cut)
C Final
* 20th place: Olivia Peoples – 1:00.64 (B-cut)
Men’s 100 Breaststroke
Championship Final
* 1st place: Julian Smith – 49.51 (A-cut)
* 3rd place: Aleksas Savickas – 51.15 (B-cut)
Women’s Platform A Final
Camyla Monroy | 6th place | 298.60
* Round 1 – 64.50
* Round 2 – 78.40
* Round 3 – 50.40
* Round 4 – 42.90
* Round 5 – 62.40
* Round 6 –
Women’s 400 Medley Relay
A Relay Team | 1st place | 3:24.78 (A-cut)
* B. Sims (48.97), A. Bottazzo (57.55), O. Peoples (50.60) I. Ivey (47.66)
Men’s 400 Medley Relay
A Relay Team | 1st place | 2:55.66 (A-cut)
* J. Marshall (43.91), J. Smith (48.95), J. Liendo (42.12), A. Painter (40.68)
