The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 3 Women’s Swimming and Diving earns five medals on day two of the 2026 SEC Championships
02.17.2026 | Women's Swimming and Diving
The Longhorns earn gold in the 800 freestyle relay while Jillian Cox earns her second consecutive title in the 1650 freestyle.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 3 women's swimming and diving completed day two of the SEC Championships by reaching the podium in all four events, highlighted by gold-medal victories from Jillian Cox in the 1650 freestyle and a record-breaking performance in the 800 freestyle relay Tuesday evening at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center.
During the morning session, Jillian Cox earned her second consecutive SEC 1650 freestyle title with a time of 15:32.75. Kate Hurst also reached the podium, placing third in 15:56.37.
In the first event of the evening, with a 200 medley relay team featuring Emma Kern, Piper Enge, Campbell Stoll and Eba Okaro reached the podium, earning bronze, in a time of 1:34.52.
On the boards, Bayleigh Cranford earned a silver-medal finish in the 1-meter championship final, totaling 319.50 points across six dives. She closed strong with a meet-high 63.00 on her reverse 2 1/2 somersault tuck and added a 55.20 on her back 1 1/2 somersault pike. Cranford also posted scores of 52.50 on her back 1 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 twist, 51.60 on her inward 1 1/2 somersault pike, 50.40 on her reverse 1 1/2 somersault pike and 46.80 on her forward 2 1/2 somersault pike to secure her spot on the podium.
Texas secured a championship victory in the 800 freestyle relay as Erin Gemmell, Lillie Nesty, Campbell Chase and Nikolett Padar touched first in 6:50.59. Padar set the school record in the 200 freestyle on the lead leg with a 1:41.36, breaking her own mark set at the Texas Hall of Fame Invite by nearly a full second.
Following day two, the Longhorns lead the standings with a team score of 232, followed by Florida (190) and South Carolina (175).
The 2026 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships continue Wednesday, Feb. 18, with preliminaries in the 100 back, 200 fly and 100 breaststroke beginning at 8:30 a.m. CT. The men's 3-meter diving prelims are set for 11 a.m. CT, followed by the consolation final after prelims conclude. Finals in the 100 back, 200 fly, 100 breaststroke and men's 3-meter diving are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT. All sessions will stream live on SEC Network+.
Players Mentioned
