Get ready for an exciting addition to the Texas Longhorns swimming team! The Irish record-holder, Evan Bailey, is set to join the University of Texas in January 2026, bringing his impressive skills and dedication to the pool.
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps, a proud sponsor of SwimSwam's College Recruiting Channel, celebrates this commitment. Swimming in college is a dream come true for many athletes, and Fitter and Faster is thrilled to support these aspiring swimmers.
Evan Bailey, currently studying at the University of Limerick, Ireland, has made a bold decision to continue his academic and swimming journey at the University of Texas. In his social media announcement, he expressed his gratitude and excitement, crediting his coaches, teammates, and support system for this opportunity. Bailey's specialty lies in the 100 and 200-meter freestyle events, which will be a valuable asset to the Texas relays.
While Daniel Wiffen holds the Irish national records in the longer distances, Bailey owns the LCM 200-meter freestyle mark, tying with Jack McMillan's impressive time of 1:46.66 at the 2025 World Aquatic Championships. Bailey's performance in the 100-meter freestyle at the Irish Open Championships in April was equally impressive, winning the event with a lifetime-best time of 49.15.
But here's where it gets interesting! Bailey will be joining the Longhorns at the same time as another talented swimmer, Ksawery Masiuk, a two-time World Championship medalist. Together, they will train alongside a strong group of senior and junior swimmers, including Baylor Nelson, Alec Filipovic, Rex Maurer, and Camden Taylor. The Texas team has a remarkable history of success in middle-distance freestyle events, with Longhorns dominating the NCAA 200-meter freestyle championships for the past 9 years. NCAA record-holder Luke Hobson, Drew Kibler, and Townley Haas are just a few of the legendary swimmers who have contributed to this impressive streak.
And this is the part most people miss... Texas boasts an incredible record with three of the top 10 fastest 200-meter freestyle performers of all time! The Longhorns' dominance in this event is undeniable, and Bailey's arrival adds to the team's already impressive roster.
Bailey's converted best times would have secured him a spot in the 'C' final of the 100-meter freestyle and the 'B' final of the 200-meter freestyle at the 2025 SEC Championships. His short course yard (SCY) times are equally impressive, with a personal best of 49.15 in the 100-meter free and 1:46.66 in the 200-meter free.
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps offers an innovative platform for swimmers of all levels to enhance their skills. With camps across the USA and Canada, led by elite swimmers and coaches, they are dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. If you have a commitment to report, don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] with a photo and a quote.
So, what do you think about Evan Bailey's decision to join the Texas Longhorns? Will he continue the team's impressive streak in middle-distance freestyle events? We'd love to hear your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss and celebrate this exciting addition to the Longhorns family!
