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A record that was once looked at as "unbreakable" has fallen...in prelims.

Florida senior Josh Liendo woke up this morning on a mission, taking down Caeleb Dressel's 42.80 NCAA record in the 100 butterfly. Dressel, a former gator, broke 43 seconds back in 2018, when it once seemed impossible.

Liendo's new record marks a defining moment in collegiate swimming. Dressel’s time of 42.80 seconds, set during his legendary career at Florida, had long been considered one of the most untouchable records in the sport. Dressel, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, had one of the most explosive starts the NCAA had ever seen. His underwater were elite and his race strategy was bold. Dressel established a benchmark that stood as the gold standard for nearly a decade.

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Now, a fellow Gator has dethroned Dressel as the king of the 100 butterfly, not only passing his time, but cutting almost three tenths of a second off of the fastest time in history. His swim showcased a near-perfect balance of power and efficiency. Liendo has always demonstrated exceptional control, particularly on the fourth 25, but this time he put together a near perfect swim to post a 42.54.

The swim is significant and now redefines what was once thought possible in the event. Beyond the time itself, the achievement solidifying Liendo as one of the best to ever compete in the NCAA. With Liendo taking down the 100 butterly, Dressel only has one record still standing, his iconic 50 freestyle from 2018 when his stopped the clock in 17.63 seconds.

With Liendo leading the field, this year's 100 butterfly is looking like the greatest field of all time. Not only did Liendo break the NCAA record, but Texas senior Hubert Kos threw down a massive 42.97 to qualify second and become the third swimmer in history to break 43 seconds. 

The fastest in history and now the third fastest performer will duke it out for an NCAA title with the deepest field to follow. Get your popcorn ready, finals in the men's 100 butterfly should be a historic race.