Aimee Canny's NCAA Championship Lineup: A Surprising Shift Away from Freestyle
The Big Story:
Aimee Canny, a University of Virginia senior, is set to make a bold move at the 2026 NCAA Championships. After competing in the 200 and 500 freestyles over the last two seasons, Canny is surprisingly focusing on the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 breaststroke this year. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this a strategic shift or a missed opportunity for Canny?
The Details:
Canny's decision to skip the 200 and 500 freestyles is intriguing, especially considering her strong performances in these events at the ACC Championships. She finished 2nd in the 200 breast (2:02.97) and 3rd in the 400 IM (4:02.35), setting lifetime bests in both. She also swam the 500, finishing 2nd (4:34.46), just two tenths off her nationally ranked time.
Her return to the 200 breast is not a shock, as she finished 7th at the NCAA Championships last season and made it the only individual championships final she reached that week. This lineup marks her 3rd different NCAA Championship lineup and her first time racing the 200 IM since 2023.
However, her absence in the 200 free is surprising, given her strong performances in the event over the last two NCAA Championships. She finished 4th in 2024 (1:42.33) and 9th last season (1:42.57). Her recent best time of 1:41.81 at the ACCs, ranking her 10th in a loaded 200 free field, further highlights her potential in the event.
The 500 would have been a strong choice for Canny, as she ranks 5th fastest this season. However, it falls directly after the 200 breast on day three, which she is among the favorites to win. Historically, Canny has not seen much success at NCAAs in the 500, adding nearly three seconds from her season best in 2024 and over five and a half seconds in 2025.
The Controversy:
Canny's decision to focus on the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 breaststroke instead of the 200 and 500 freestyles could be seen as a strategic move or a missed opportunity. While her strengths lie in the individual events, her potential in the freestyle events cannot be overlooked. Will her decision pay off, or will she regret forgoing the freestyle races?
What's Next?
The 2026 NCAA Championships will be Canny's 400 IM debut, featuring a loaded field with top seeds Bella Sims and Lucy Bell. Canny's best shot at her first individual NCAA title will likely come down to the 200 breast, where she faces off against inner-conference foe Lucy Bell. Will Canny make a splash in her new events, or will she return to the freestyle events in the future?
Join the Discussion:
What do you think of Aimee Canny's decision to focus on the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 breaststroke? Is it a strategic move or a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
