NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has picked up a new verbal commitment from freestyle ace Joaquin Vargas of Davie, Fla., who intends to arrive in Knoxville in January 2022.
He will join Martin Espernberger, Garret Green and Nick Simons in Knoxville as a member of the Vols’ Class of 2026.
He told Swimming World:
“I’m so happy and excited to announce my verbal commitment to the university of Tennessee !! ??Can’t wait to start being part of the team . Let’s go VOLS!!”
Representing Peru internationally, Vargas competed at the 7th FINA World Junior Championships in 2019 where he recorded three top-30 finishes in the 200m/400m/800m free. He also finished 11th in all three of those events at the Panamerican Games a few weeks before.
In yards, his best times include:
- 100 free – 45.02
- 200 free – 1:36.42
- 500 free – 4:19.62
- 1000 free – 9:10.00
- 1650 free – 15:32.73
In long course meters, his best times include:
- 100m free – 50.75
- 200m free – 1:49.71
- 400m free – 3:52.18
- 800m free – 8:11.70
- 1500m free – 16:00.36
Vargas trains year-round with Azura Florida Aquatics and most recently earned a pair of best times at the UANA Tokyo Qualifier after earning silver in the 400m free at the ISCA International Senior Cup. He also swam away with three gold medals at Pembroke Pines 18&U Winter Championships in December and took 18th in the 200m free at the Toyota U.S. Open.
Vargas will make a big impact when he arrives on campus next year and will join a training group led by Rafael Nicolas Ponce De Leon, who has also represented Peru. He would’ve scored in the B-final of the 500 free and placed top-24 in the mile at the 2021 SEC Championships where the Vols finished third overall.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.