Aimee Canny, a senior from South Africa, made her 400 IM debut at the Cavalier Invite Day 3 with a time of 4:03.36, moving her up to 6th place this season. It's not common for international athletes to achieve nationally-ranked swims in their first attempt at a specific event in short-course yards. Canny's performance, however, is impressive, as she has demonstrated the endurance and stroke versatility needed for the 400 IM with times of 4:34.26 in the 500 free and 1:54.05 in the 200 IM. Despite the challenge of the 400 IM, Canny split 55.55/1:02.61/1:09.85/55.35, posting a time of 4:03.35 in her first-ever 400 IM. She also achieved lifetime bests in the 100 free (47.79) and the 100 breast (58.30). With the new NCAA format, Canny might opt for a 400 IM/200 breast/200 IM lineup in March. She won the 200 free B-final at NCAAs last year, but her 400 IM time would have qualified her for the A-final. The 200 free and 400 IM are now part of the Day 2 lineup under the new championship format. Virginia seems poised to dominate the NCAA title next month. Canny's 100 free time of 47.79 was enough to win the event, setting new PRs for herself and teammates Melissa Nwakalor and Nina Jazy. Virginia continued its success in backstroke with Katie Grimes winning the women's 200 back in 1:51.21, moving her up to 10th nationally. Emma Weber added to Virginia's wins with a 200 breaststroke time of 2:07.96, and Tess Howley closed the individual events with a 200 butterfly win in 1:52.53. Leah Hayes, who ranked 6th in the nation this season with a 4:04.01, swam the 400 IM twice, finishing with times of 4:05.21 and 4:05.68. William & Mary's women secured victories with Lauren Tucker winning the 1650 in 16:41.62 and the 400 freestyle relay in 3:29.02. On the men's side, Tyler Barritt claimed the 1650 freestyle title, and Virginia swimmers won the next two events. St. Bonaventure's Corey Su won the 200 breaststroke, and Virginia closed the meet with another win in the 200 butterfly.
