Fluidra Race Video of the Week: Curzan Takes Victory over Sims in 100 Back at CSCAA Dual Championship Meet

By James Sutherland on SwimSwam

The University of Virginia women prevailed over Michigan in the championship meet to win the inaugural CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge last weekend, with several nation-leading swims being produced over the course of the three-day meet in Tennessee.

One of the most exciting battles in the championship came in the women’s 100 back, where Claire Curzan and Bella Sims, who were separated by just one one-hundredth in the event in the 2025 NCAA final, locked horns in a rematch that came down to the wire once again.

At last season’s NCAAs, Curzan (49.11) edged out Sims (49.12) for the national title, and a similar scenario happened on Sunday in Knoxville.

Curzan put up a time of 49.12 to narrowly out-touch Sims (49.17) for the victory, coming just one one-hundredth shy of her personal best set in winning last year’s NCAA title.

RACE VIDEO

Courtesy of UVA Swimming on YouTube

Both women move to #1 and #2 in the country this season, and the performance from Sims also marks a new Big Ten and Michigan Record, with her lifetime best of 48.97 having been set last season while she was at the University of Florida.

The previous Big Ten Record stood at 49.18, set by former Wisconsin star Beata Nelson in 2019, while the previous Michigan Record was 49.76, set by Maggie MacNeil in 2021.

2025-26 NCAA Rankings, Women’s 100 Backstroke (SCY)

1. Claire Curzan (Virginia), 49.12 – 2025 CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge Final
2. Bella Sims (Michigan), 49.17 – 2025 CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge Final
3. Miranda Grana (Indiana), 49.85 – 2025 Ohio State Invitational
4. Maggie Wanezek (Wisconsin), 49.95 – 2025 Texas Hall of Fame Invitational
5. Leah Shackley (NC State), 50.09 – 2025 Wolfack Elite Invite

Curzan also won the 100 fly at the meet in 49.68, ranking her #2 in the nation, while Sims also placed 3rd in the 500 free in a season-best time of 4:39.76.

The Cavalier women ultimately beat the Wolverines, 40-17, while the Arizona State men prevailed over Tennessee, 37-19.

You can find a full recap of the championship meet here.

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