On February 24, 2024, at the ACC Men’s 1650 Yard Freestyle Swimming Championship, NC State’s Owen Lloyd was controversially disqualified after winning the biggest race of his career. Lloyd finished the race in 14:37.04, securing what seemed to be his victory. In an emotional celebration, he climbed onto the lane divider to celebrate with his teammate, Ross Dant, who finished second. Lloyd fell into Dant’s lane who briefly hugged and again congratulated Lloyd. Officials deemed Lloyd’s wholesome celebration as "interfering with another swimmer."
This decision was based on an interpretation of Rule 2, Section 5B of the NCAA rulebook (a very strict interpretation by someone as black and white as my old golf coach who stroked me 5 shots in my NCAA conference championship for playing a yellow prov1 for five holes after playing a white prov1). The rule states that a swimmer who changes lanes during a heat shall be disqualified. Critics pointed out that similar infractions in other races were not penalized, highlighting a lack of uniformity in officiating standards.
Lloyd's disqualification overshadowed his impressive performance and celebration, leading widespread calls for rule changes to prevent similar controversies in the future. Despite the setback, Lloyd’s sportsmanship and support from his teammate Dant have been widely praised. Owen Lloyd placed top 5 at nationals was later named the 2024 Collegiate Swimmer of the Year.
Dant, who was declared the winner after Lloyd's disqualification, publicly criticized the decision, calling it the "dumbest rule in swimming." He expressed his support for Lloyd, refusing to stand on the podium and later handing the first-place medal to Lloyd in the stands. Dant proved to be a very intelligent and humble teammate. He explained the rule: “When you win, and other swimmers are still swimming, you have to stay in you’re own lane you’re not allowed to jump or cross over the lane line into someone else’s lane, and in the celebration which year he came up to my lane. He earned that fair and square. He WILL be getting that medal.“
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This video is an original broadcast and production of ESPN Networks and the ACC. I have claimed no ownership of this material, nor profit from it in any way. This video is intended for historical archival and educational viewing purposes only.
