Jefimova Crowned National Champion in 100 Breaststroke in NCAA Debut

Thursday, March 19

Atlanta, GA

10:00 a.m. (Prelims) | 6:03 p.m. (Finals)

NC State

NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championships

Jefimova Crowned National Champion in 100 Breaststroke in NCAA Debut

3/19/2026 11:49:00 PM | Swimming

ATLANTA, GA - It was a day full of heart for the Wolfpack as they added another national champion to its tally, highlighted by freshman Eneli Jefimova's victory in the 100 breaststroke on day two of the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships.

Entering the day as the No. 1 seed in the 100 breaststroke, Jefimova lived up to expectations in her individual NCAA debut. In the morning prelims, she posted the third-fastest time overall at 57.41. However, it was in the A-final where she delivered a career-defining performance. Jefimova surged to her first national title, breaking a four-year-old school record previously held by Sophie Hansson while also setting a new McAuley Aquatic Center pool record. Her time now stands as the fourth-fastest 100 breaststroke performance in history.

With the win, Jefimova becomes just the second Wolfpack breaststroker to claim a national title in the event, joining Hansson, who last won it in 2021. She is also now the fourth women's swimmer in program history to earn an individual National Championship.

While Jefimova shined individually, the Wolfpack also found success in relay action. The 200 freestyle relay squad of Erika Pelaez, Olivia Nel, Lily Christensen, and Cassie Moses earned All-American honors with an eighth-place finish, touching the wall in 1:26.45. The result marks the second Wolfpack relay to reach the podium this week. Christensen delivered a powerful leadoff leg, clocking a 21.68, good for the fourth-fastest 50 freestyle time in program history.

Morning Recap

The Wolfpack got off to a strong start in the morning session of the 100 butterfly, where Lily Christianson and Kennedy Noble finished 1-2 in the opening heat. Both swimmers recorded personal bests, with Christianson posting a 51.76—the fifth-fastest time in program history—and Noble following closely at 51.89, now sixth all-time for NC State.

In heat five, Erika Pelaez and Leah Shackley each turned in strong performances. Pelaez touched in 50.98, just shy of her personal best (50.65), finishing third in her heat and 11th overall to secure second-team All-American honors. Shackley narrowly missed All-American status, placing 17th with a time of 51.39.

Sophomore Lisa Nystrand was the lone Wolfpack swimmer in the 400 IM, finishing second in her heat and placing 32nd overall with a time of 4:11.84.

Up Next

The Wolfpack now turn their attention to day three of competition, with entries in the 100 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, 500 freestyle, 50 freestyle, and 400 medley relay. The Pack currently are sitting in ninth place heading into day three. Preliminary heats are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by finals at 6:03 p.m., with both sessions streaming on ESPN+.

National Champions: