America’s Two Fastest Men in the 100 Backstroke This Season Made Waves at the World University Games…Read More…
The 2025 World University Games in Chengdu served as a proving ground for many of the world’s rising swimming stars, but for Team USA, it became the ultimate showcase of backstroke dominance. In a season stacked with talent, two American men — Hunter Armstrong and Jack Aikins — stamped their authority on the global stage by clocking the nation’s fastest times in the 100-meter backstroke, both coming from their electrifying performances at the University Games.
For decades, the United States has been a powerhouse in backstroke events, producing legendary names like Ryan Murphy, Matt Grevers, and Aaron Peirsol. However, 2025’s summer spotlight fell on Armstrong and Aikins, two young men who not only lived up to the legacy but also injected new energy into the event with their thrilling races in Chengdu.
The Clash in Chengdu
On Day 3 of the swimming competition, the men’s 100-meter backstroke final was one of the most anticipated races of the meet. Hunter Armstrong, the 2022 World Champion and Olympic silver medalist, entered the pool as the favorite. Known for his explosive start and smooth underwater work, Armstrong came into the meet with a season-best of 52.06 seconds — already one of the top times globally.
Jack Aikins, a rising collegiate star from the University of Virginia, was seen as an underdog but had been turning heads during the preliminary rounds. Clocking a personal best of 52.14 seconds in the semifinals, Aikins was swimming with confidence and had nothing to lose.
When the final commenced, both men launched off the blocks in near-perfect synchrony. At the 50-meter mark, Armstrong touched first by a whisper, but Aikins was right on his shoulder. The crowd roared as the two Americans powered down the final stretch, battling stroke for stroke in a race that embodied the spirit of competition.
At the finish, it was Armstrong who claimed gold with a blistering 51.99 seconds — his fastest time of the year and a new World University Games record. Aikins wasn’t far behind, touching in 52.08 seconds, a personal best that solidified him as the second-fastest American of the season.
Setting the Standard
The significance of their times stretched beyond the medals. Armstrong’s 51.99 marked the first sub-52 second swim by an American this season, placing him atop the national rankings and second only to world leader Thomas Ceccon of Italy globally. Aikins’ 52.08 propelled him past a stacked field of U.S. contenders, including veterans like Ryan Murphy, signaling a possible changing of the guard.
Both swimmers emphasized how the World University Games offered a unique competitive environment — a blend of high-stakes racing and a camaraderie not always found at senior-level championships.
“This meet brought out the best in me,” Armstrong said after the race. “It’s a different vibe swimming for your university and your country alongside teammates you’ve shared dorms and classes with. The energy here pushed me to go for it.”
Aikins echoed the sentiment. “I’ve looked up to guys like Hunter for a long time,” he shared. “To be able to race alongside him and push each other to these times — it’s incredible. I feel like this is just the beginning.”
Eyes on the Future
With the 2025 World Championships in Singapore looming just weeks away, both Armstrong and Aikins have cemented their spots as top contenders for Team USA’s final roster. Their performances in Chengdu have also caught the attention of international coaches and analysts, many of whom believe the Americans could dominate the backstroke events in the coming years.
USA Swimming’s National Team Director, Lindsay Mintenko, praised the duo’s efforts. “To have two of the fastest times in the world come out of this meet speaks volumes about our depth in men’s backstroke,” Mintenko said. “Hunter’s leadership and Jack’s breakthrough are exactly what we hope for at an event like the World University Games. It’s a great sign for Paris 2028.”
A New Rivalry?
While Armstrong and Aikins were quick to compliment each other publicly, whispers of a budding rivalry began to stir. Competitive by nature, both men know that as trials and world championship selections approach, their friendly competition could evolve into one of swimming’s marquee showdowns.
For now, both athletes are focused on refining their race strategies and enjoying the moment. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Jack,” Armstrong said with a smile. “But I’m not planning on giving up that number one spot anytime soon.”
Aikins grinned when asked about the potential rivalry. “Let’s just say — this is going to be fun.”
Conclusion
The World University Games may be seen as a stepping stone for many swimmers, but for Hunter Armstrong and Jack Aikins, Chengdu was a launchpad. With blistering times, record-breaking swims, and a dose of sportsmanship, America’s two fastest men in the 100 backstroke have announced their arrival — and the world is watching.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two stars to see if their friendly rivalry can push them beyond national dominance and into the annals of global swimming greatness.
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