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Hobson Leads Off In 1:29.6 As Texas Lowers NCAA, American Records In 800 Free Relay

2023 NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Luke Hobson set the tone and the Texas Longhorns were simply unstoppable in the 800 free relay on the opening night of the Men’s NCAA Championships, as the team successfully defended their title in record fashion.

The Texas foursome of Hobson (1:29.63), Coby Carrozza (1:30.50), Peter Larson (1:33.14) and Carson Foster (1:30.15) roared to victory in a time of 6:03.42, silencing their doubters and lowering the NCAA, U.S. Open and American Record they set last year.

That previous record stood at 6:03.89, set by Hobson, Carrozza, Foster and Drew Kibler.

Split Comparison

Texas, 2022 NCAAs Texas, 2023 NCAAs
Drew Kibler – 1:30.54 Luke Hobson – 1:29.63
Coby Carrozza – 1:31.46 Coby Carrozza – 1:30.50
Luke Hobson – 1:30.84 Peter Larson – 1:33.14
Carson Foster – 1:31.05 Carson Foster – 1:30.15
6:03.89 6:03.42

Hobson, Carrozza and Foster were all significantly faster than they were last year, highlighted by Hobson being well over a second quicker despite not having a relay exchange.

Hobson is the fifth swimmer in history to break the 1:30 barrier from a flat start, tying Blake Pieroni as the fourth-fastest performer of all-time.

His previous best time stood at 1:31.89, set in January in the Longhorns’ dual with NC State.

This is Texas’ fourth straight title in the event and eighth in the last 14 championships.

Arizona State placed second in a time of 6:05.08, as Leon Marchand dropped a blistering 1:28.42 anchor split which is the fastest of all-time and the first under 1:29.

Cal placed third in 6:06.41, with Destin Lasco splitting 1:29.53 on the anchor leg to pull the Bears ahead of Indiana (6:07.97), Florida (6:08.79) and NC State (6:09.38).

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Did not Cali UT
1 year ago

LUKE!!!!! Pure gold, great job Longhorns!!

bobthebuilderrocks
1 year ago

Slot Germonprez onto this relay after a year of Texas training and I think 6 minutes is in jeopardy next year. Luke 1:29 flat star, Coby Carson and Germonprez 1:30’s flying starts.

Swimfan
1 year ago

Fantastic race!!! This is Texas’ 4th straight title in the event, not 3rd straight. We don’t count 2020 with no NC’s.

Weinstein-Smith-Ledecky-Sims
1 year ago

I am hoping that Hobson, Carrozza, Foster knock Trenton “Safe Sport” Julian off the men’s 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay. Toss in Lasco for good measure.

Curious
1 year ago

Makes me think why wasn’t Johnston on this relay? Especially after his Australian performances a 4:02 4 Im you’d think with any improvement from august he would be a 32 low or better with how good his 8 and mile were at that meet

ArtVanDeLegh10
Reply to  Curious
1 year ago

Larson had a very bad entry, looked like he went straight down. I’m guessing his individual 200 will be faster.

BochenskiEnthusiast3219
1 year ago

Daddy Long Legs. 1:35.00 lead off for Mizzou. Comparing to SECs, he’s breaking 41 in the 400 medley relay. Be warned

Kibbles and Bits🐕
1 year ago

Imagine if kibler stayed at Tex. Maybe coulda dropped a sub 6min relay. 😶

Doggiepaddle
1 year ago

Hook ’em Horns!

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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