Get ready to dive into a record-breaking moment that’s shaking up the swimming world! Jack Alexy just shattered the U.S. Open meet record in the 100-meter freestyle with a jaw-dropping time of 47.66 seconds. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: this isn’t just any record—it’s one that had stood unchallenged for six long years since Zach Apple set the bar at 47.69 back in 2019. And this is the part most people miss: Alexy’s time isn’t just a new record; it’s also one of his fastest-ever first-round swims, even topping his 48.08 from the 2025 World Championships prelims, where he later clinched silver with a stunning 46.92.
The stage for this historic feat? The 2025 U.S. Open, set to splash down from December 3-6, 2025, at the iconic Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas. Mark your calendars for prelims at 10 a.m. EST and finals at 7 p.m. EST (with Day 1 kicking off at 5 p.m. EST). Whether you’re tracking the action via Meet Central, Psych Sheets, or Live Results, this event promises edge-of-your-seat excitement.
But let’s rewind for a moment. Alexy’s record-breaking swim wasn’t the only highlight of the day. In the heat just before him, his 2024 Olympic teammate Chris Giuliano clocked a 47.70, briefly claiming the pool record before Alexy swooped in. To put it in perspective, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their splits alongside Apple’s 2019 record:
| Swimmer | 50m Split | 100m Time (Final 50 Split) |
|---------|-----------|----------------------------|
| Jack Alexy (2025 U.S. Open Prelims) | 22.89 | 47.66 (24.77) |
| Chris Giuliano (2025 U.S. Open Prelims) | 22.83 | 47.70 (24.87) |
| Zach Apple (2019 U.S. Open) | 23.06 | 47.69 (24.63) |
While all three swimmers employed similar strategies, Alexy’s slightly faster finish gave him the edge. But here’s the controversial question: Is Alexy’s record a testament to his superior technique, or did he simply benefit from advancements in training and technology over the past six years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Tonight, Alexy and Giuliano will face off again, this time with another shot at lowering the record. If their rivalry in the 50-meter freestyle is anything to go by—where Giuliano set a new meet record of 21.57—we’re in for a showdown for the ages.
For more on this story, dive into the profiles of Jack Alexy and Zach Apple, and stay tuned for live recaps of the finals and prelims. This is one event you won’t want to miss!
