Fast swims, big personal bests at Mizzou Aquatics Center
The second day of the Speedo Summer Sectionals – Central Zone South at the Mizzou Aquatics Center in Columbia delivered several breakthrough performances, with competitors from Missouri and neighboring states lowering career bests and posting marquee times.
Nebraska’s Riley Miklos stole the headlines in the women’s 200-meter freestyle, breaking the 2:00 barrier for the first time with a winning time of 1:59.92. Miklos opened quickly with a 28.30 on the first 50 and then held even pacing through the remaining lengths.
Other notable swims included a major improvement from 13-year-old Autumn McIntosh of Arkansas, who dropped her personal best by nearly four seconds to touch third in the 200 free at 2:03.26. The meet also showcased strong showings from Missouri swimmers competing for area clubs.
- Zach Mendez (Club North Swimming/Missouri State) won the men’s 200 free in 1:53.16, just shy of his PB.
- Lucy Velte (Empire KC) claimed the women’s 100 butterfly in 59.85, near her season best.
- Gena Jorgenson (Nebraska) took the women’s 400 IM in 4:49.67, within a second of her top time.
The men’s 400 IM featured a standout improvement from SMU recruit Andy Baklanov, representing Empire KC, who won in 4:24.75 — more than two seconds faster than his previous best. Missouri State’s Anderson Brown broke the 55-second mark in the men’s 100 fly, winning in 54.34.
| Event | Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s 200 free | Riley Miklos (Nebraska) | 1:59.92 |
| Men’s 200 free | Zach Mendez (Club North/Missouri State) | 1:53.16 |
| Women’s 400 IM | Gena Jorgenson (Nebraska) | 4:49.67 |
| Men’s 400 IM | Andy Baklanov (Empire KC/SMU) | 4:24.75 |
| Women’s 100 fly | Lucy Velte (Empire KC) | 59.85 |
Hosting a high-level sectional meet in Columbia underscores the city’s growing role as a Midwest summer training hub. The Mizzou Aquatics Center’s long-course (50-meter) configuration attracts club teams and collegiate-age athletes seeking competition outside the collegiate season.
For local fans and families, the event offers a chance to watch regional talent and see how area swimmers stack up against top prospects from neighboring states. With the meet continuing through July 18, swimmers remaining in Columbia will have additional opportunities to chase qualifying marks and personal records.
