Liam Mac Colla, a 17-year-old swimmer, made a splash at the 2026 January Jumpstart meet in Greensboro, North Carolina. He shattered the Metro Swimming LSC Record in the 50-yard freestyle, clocking in at 20.01 seconds, besting the previous record held by Justin Plaschka since 2014. This achievement is even more impressive considering Mac Colla's recent college commitment switch from D3 Williams College to Villanova University, where the team's fastest time in the 50-free this season was a 20.10 by Zach Sutter.
Mac Colla's performance wasn't limited to the 50-free. He swam lifetime bests in multiple events, including the 100-free (44.47), 500-free (4:47.75), 50-back (23.77), 100-back (51.53), 50-breast (27.51), 50-fly (22.52), 100-fly (50.35), and 100-IM (53.12). His second-place finish in the 50-free race behind Albert Smelzer, a senior committed to Cal, further highlights his talent.
Smelzer dominated the 15 & over age group, winning a total of 9 events throughout the weekend, including the 50-free, 100-free, 200-free, 50-back, 100-back, 50-fly, 100-fly, and both the 200-free and 200-medley relays. On the girls' side, Kaidy Stout of the Greensboro Swimming Association swept the 100-breaststroke (1:02.14) and 200-breaststroke (2:11.98), as well as the 200-IM (2:05.73) and 400-IM (4:22.99).
The meet also showcased the talent of Ellie Mierenfeld, a James Madison commit, who swam several best times, including a 1:57.32 in the 200-back, almost two seconds faster than her previous best. This performance would have ranked her first on James Madison's roster this season and second all-time in JMU history.
This meet was a significant step for Mac Colla, showcasing his potential and setting the stage for future success.
