Imagine shattering records that have stood for years in a single meet – that's exactly what Will Modglin did, and it's got the swimming world buzzing with excitement. Last weekend at the Texas Hall of Fame Invite, this talented swimmer from the Texas Longhorns turned heads with performances that redefined what's possible in the pool.
In his opening event, leading off the 200-yard medley relay with a blistering 50-yard backstroke, Modglin clocked in at an astonishing 20.00 seconds. For those new to competitive swimming, this isn't just fast – it's the quickest time ever recorded in the 50-yard backstroke, eclipsing all historical benchmarks and setting a new standard for the event. Building on that momentum, he tackled the 100-yard backstroke next, finishing in 43.26 seconds. This not only smashed the American record but also came razor-close – just 0.06 seconds shy – of his teammate Hubert Kos's NCAA record, which is the gold standard in college swimming. For beginners, the NCAA is like the Olympics for university athletes, so this near-miss highlights Modglin's elite level of competition.
But wait, there's more to this story that adds an intriguing twist. Modglin also dove into the 100-yard breaststroke, posting a solid 50.91 seconds and joining three other Longhorns who dipped under the 51-second mark in that grueling event. What makes this particularly surprising? Modglin doesn't even practice breaststroke as part of his regular training routine. Zero focus on it, yet he still delivers a top-tier time. And this is the part most people miss: how does someone excel in an event they're not specializing in? It speaks volumes about his natural talent, versatility, and the smart coaching at Texas.
Fresh off winning gold at the World University Games this summer – a major international competition for student-athletes – Modglin opens up about these feats and beyond in the latest episode of the SwimSwam Podcast. If you're passionate about swimming, this is your chance to hear insider insights straight from one of the sport's rising stars.
The SwimSwam Podcast is your go-to source for diving deep into the world of competitive swimming, featuring candid chats that explore everything from groundbreaking performances to the evolving landscape of the sport. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Coleman Hodges and Olympic gold medalist Mel Stewart, the show brings you conversations with swimming legends you admire and up-and-coming talents you should watch. They dissect the history, current trends, and what's next for aquatic athletes, making complex strategies and training regimens accessible even if you're just starting to follow the sport.
Ready to tune in? Here's how you can listen and subscribe:
* Catch it on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UGrNWoMK0RqWZCMbOwUPO?si=TeZ03KYLRbi7O6QJfWR6EA
* Stream on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fish-out-of-water-the-swimswam-podcast/id1467108547
* Listen via Podbean: https://swimswam.podbean.com/
* Find it on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9zd2ltc3dhbS5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS9mZWVkLnhtbA
* Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jBSAEPF5egz7S2dT7zxEQ
* Check out Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-swimswam-podcast-swimswam-U1wJerNWhR2/
* Tune in on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-swimswam-podcast?refid=stpr
* Listen on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-swimswam-podcast-70625443/
* Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/31b53481-08b1-4281-b33c-76d024ef8d2f/The-SwimSwam-Podcast
* Or play it on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-swimswam-podcast/PC:44050?part=PC:44050&corr=podcastorganicexternal&TID=Brand:SCO:PC44050:podcastorganicexternal
The podcast's soundtrack is courtesy of Otis McDonald – check out his work at www.otismacmusic.com.
A quick note: The views expressed by our guests are their own and don't necessarily align with those of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC, or our advertising collaborators. We value diverse perspectives in the swimming community.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Modglin's success in breaststroke without training a sign that specialization isn't always key, or does it just underscore how gifted he is? Some coaches swear by focused training in one stroke, while others argue versatility builds better overall swimmers. What do you think – should athletes like Modglin branch out more, or stick to their strengths? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you agree or have a different take!
About Coleman Hodges
Coleman Hodges has been connected to the water since he was just one year old. Though he can't recall those early days, it's clear that swimming captured his heart early on. Hailing from Missouri, he jumped into organized swimming at age nine with the Columbia Swim Club, where he's still fondly remembered for his eye-catching dragon-patterned swim trunks that added a fun flair to his sessions. After stepping away from ...
Read More » (https://swimswam.com/bio/coleman-hodges/)
