Stanford’s Henry McFadden Can Carry NCAA Momentum into Push for Pan Pacs
Some athletes have a tendency to fly under the radar. Maybe they’re the soft-spoken type. In some instances, they are overshadowed by a rival. Occasionally, their story is simply missed. Whatever the reason, select individuals don’t receive the attention they deserve. Count Henry McFadden in this category.
At the recently concluded NCAA Championships in Atlanta, McFadden delivered a pair of superb performances in the 200-yard freestyle. On the opening night of competition at the McAuley Aquatic Center, the Stanford University junior anchored his school’s 800 freestyle relay in 1:29.72, the best split in the field. Thanks to McFadden, the Cardinal earned second place in the event, a major boost toward a 10th-place finish in the team standings.
That relay contribution, however, was complemented by an equally impressive showing in the final of the 200 freestyle. Behind a personal-best swim of 1:30.13, McFadden finished just behind Virginia’s Maximus Williamson (1:30.03) and Tennessee’s Koby Bujak-Upton (1:30.11). Sixth at the midway point of the race, McFadden charged through the field during the back half, on the strength of a 46.13 split.
The fact that McFadden placed third at the NCAA Champs, and came within .11 of landing a solo crown, should not be a surprise. The New Jersey native has twice represented the United States at the World Championships, handling duties for the United States in the 800 freestyle relay in Fukuoka (2023) and Singapore (2025). After racing in prelims in his first Worlds appearance, McFadden competed in finals last summer.
To earn last year’s trip to the World Champs, McFadden excelled at the United States Championships in Indianapolis. At the Indiana University Natatorium, McFadden finished seventh in the 100 freestyle, going 47.97 for a best time. In the 200 freestyle, McFadden clocked 1:45.22 to finish fourth, the effort another best time and good for No. 14 performer status in the world rankings.
With his latest college season wrapped up, McFadden will now turn his attention to the long-course season. McFadden’s focus meet for the summer will be the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, where he’ll get the chance to contest the 200 freestyle against his fellow Americans, along with top competitors in the event from Japan, Australia and Canada. Based on his 1:45-low performance from last summer and his recent success at NCAAs, could a 1:44-point mark be on the horizon? It seems the Stanford star is knocking on that door.