This week’s ZUMO Performance of the Week goes to Coleman Stewart of NC State for his 45.51 in the 100 backstroke on Saturday in his final home duel meet against Virginia Tech. Stewart finished nearly three full seconds ahead of the second place finisher.
The time was a new in-season best for Stewart, who was second at NCAAs last season to Dean Farris and was also the champion in 2018. Now in his senior year, Stewart wants his title back and looks to be in good shape to not only do that, but also chase down the American record of 43.49 by Ryan Murphy set in 2016. Stewart’s previous in-season best was a 45.65 against Virginia just a couple weeks ago. His 45.5 this past weekend is not far off his season best of 44.82 from the NC State Invite in November as that put him second in Division I behind Shaine Casas at the halfway point of the season.
Stewart currently sits third on the all-time list with his 43.9 at NCAAs last season as he is just one of three men to break 44 seconds in the 100 backstroke in short course yards. He has been swimming well in the last 12 months, winning his first individual international medal with a bronze in the 100 butterfly at the World University Games in July. His long course swimming is still slightly behind his short course powers but he has started to develop in a well-rounded swimmer in both courses. He is currently in his senior year at NC State where he will hope to lead the team to its sixth straight ACC team title and the school’s fifth straight top four finish at NCAAs. North Carolina State is currently ranked seventh in the latest CSCAA Division I poll.
Congrats to Coleman Stewart on winning the ZUMO Performance of the Week!
Previous ZUMO Performances of the Week
ZUMO Performance of the Week: Shoma Sato Skips 2:08 to Slam 2:07.5 200 Breast at Kitajima Cup
ZUMO Performance of the Week: Regan Smith Swims Casual 58.2 at TYR Knoxville Pro Series
ZUMO Performance of the Week: Katsuhiro Matsumoto Breaks Japanese Record in SCM 400 Free