CSU Swimmer Tess Whineray Set to Make Waves at NCAA Championships
Colorado State University junior Tess Whineray is poised to compete in both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events at the 2026 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, marking a significant milestone for the CSU swimming program.
A Return to the National Stage
Whineray’s qualification is particularly noteworthy as she is the first Colorado State swimmer to reach the NCAA Championships since 2013, when Breann Fuller competed in the same events. She secured an automatic qualification in the 200-yard backstroke after winning the Mountain West Championship title with a record-breaking time of 1:52.82. Her time also set a new meet and school record.
Record-Breaking Performance at the Mountain West Championships
Beyond her automatic qualification, Whineray also earned an invite to compete in the 100-yard backstroke, achieving a school-record time of 51.73 while finishing second to Nevada’s Scarlett Ferris at the conference championships. This dual qualification underscores her versatility, and dedication.
Championship Outlook and Seeding
Whineray is seeded 29th in the 200-yard backstroke and 38th in the 100-yard backstroke. The restructured meet format places the top eight swimmers in the preliminary heats into the finals, while those finishing ninth through 16th will receive honorable mention All-American recognition.
A Historic Venue
The NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships will be held at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, a venue steeped in Olympic history. The facility hosted the pool events during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, where Colorado State Hall of Famer Amy Van Dyken achieved a historic feat by becoming the first female American swimmer to win four gold medals in a single Games.
Competition Schedule
The four-day event begins on March 18. Whineray will compete on the final two days, with the 100-yard backstroke preliminaries on March 20 and the 200-yard backstroke preliminaries on March 21.
The Resurgence of CSU Swimming: What’s Next?
Whineray’s success signals a potential turning point for the Colorado State swimming program. Her achievements, combined with the performance of teammates like Mia Axelman, who earned All-Mountain West honors in freestyle events, suggest a growing strength within the team. This momentum could attract more talented recruits and elevate the program’s national profile.
Pro Tip:
Elite swimmers often focus on meticulous race planning and mental preparation. Whineray’s success highlights the importance of these often-overlooked aspects of athletic performance.
FAQ
Q: When is the NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships?
A: March 18-21, 2026.
Q: Where will the championships be held?
A: McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Q: What events will Tess Whineray be competing in?
A: The 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke.
Q: Has a CSU swimmer qualified for the NCAA Championships recently?
A: Not since 2013, when Breann Fuller qualified.
Q: What is the significance of the McAuley Aquatic Center?
A: It hosted the pool events at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
Stay updated on the latest CSU athletics news and results by visiting CSURams.com.
