USC's Anicka Delgado Wins Big at South American Championships

Freshman Anicka Delgado, made the most of her decision to scratch the NCAA Championships, winning the 100 free and taking home gold at the South American Championships, on March 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 
 
The meet, delayed a year due to COVID-19, is the 45th edition of the continental championships, and one of a few prized chances to score Olympic A and B cuts. Teams from across South America, and this year, Mexico and Puerto Rico as well, are participating in the championships. 
 
Delgado won gold in the 100 free for Ecuador, touching in 55.97. Along with her prelims time of 55.91, Delgado sits under the Olympic "B" cut of 56.01. 
 
With a strong performance, the Ecuador Olympic committee could invite her to swim at the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer. That announcement could come sometime within the next week. 
 
At the 2021 Pac-12 Championships, Delgado finished third in the 100 free in 48.44, and was the only freshman in the championship final. She also tied for fifth in the 50 free (22.28) and was eighth in the 100 fly (52.72). 
 
Today, the Trojans kick off competition at the 2021 NCAA Championships, where six swimmers and two divers will represent USC over the course of four days.