Sergio de Celis Montalban, a Spanish record holder and 2024 Olympian in the individual 100 free, has committed to Arizona State University's swim team, marking a significant addition to their ranks. Born in January 2000, Montalban will be 26 when he arrives in Tempe, bringing a wealth of talent and experience to the team.
Montalban's journey to the Olympics began with his first international team appearance at the 2022 World Championships, where he placed 32nd in the 100 free and 36th in the 200 free. His breakthrough came shortly after, setting a Spanish record in the men's 4x100 free relay with a time of 48.41.
The following year, he just missed the finals at the World Short Course Championships in Budapest, finishing 11th in the 100 free semi-finals with a new national record of 46.60. Montalban's versatility was evident as he contributed to the finals of the 4x100 free relay, 4x50 free relay, and 4x200 free relay.
At the 2023 World Championships, Montalban placed 39th in the 50 free, leading off the 100 free relay with times between 48.77 and 48.88. His performance at the 2024 World Championships was even more impressive, as he clocked a Spanish record of 48.39 to place 10th in the 100 free, showcasing his speed and consistency.
In the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Montalban narrowly missed the semi-finals in the 100 free, finishing 19th with a time of 48.49. He then led off the national record-setting 4x100 free relay, contributing to Spain's 9th-place finish.
Montalban's success continued at the World Championships in Singapore, where he set a short-lived Spanish record of 48.24 in the 100 free, lowering his previous best by a tenth of a second. He also anchored the 7th-place mixed 4x100 free relay team with a time of 48.72.
At the European Short Course Championships in Lublin, Montalban broke the Spanish record in the 100 free with a time of 46.19, which converts to an NCAA-worthy 41.61 in yards. He also won bronze in the men's 4x50 free relay, showcasing his versatility and impact on the team.
With one individual Spanish record and nine relay records (six short course and three long course), Montalban has proven his versatility and impact on the team. His lifetime best of 48.24 in the long course 100 free is more than half a second faster than ASU's European sensation, Rémi Fabiani.
In terms of recruitment, Montalban's converted times suggest he will be a significant addition to the Sun Devils. His 50 free time would have ranked 7th on the roster last season, and he would have scored 'A' final points in all three sprint freestyle distances. With several top swimmers graduating, Montalban's arrival will undoubtedly boost the team's performance.
One area where Montalban will make a significant impact is the relays. With Jonny Kulow, Rémi Fabiani, Tommy Palmer, and Adam Chaney graduating, only four of the 12 freestyle relay legs return. Montalban is expected to be a key contributor to the 200 free relay, 400 free relay, and 800 free relay, adding depth and speed to the team.
In conclusion, Sergio de Celis Montalban's commitment to Arizona State University is a significant development for the swim team. His talent, experience, and versatility will undoubtedly elevate the team's performance and contribute to their success in the upcoming seasons. As a Spanish record holder and Olympian, Montalban brings a unique skill set that will benefit the program, and his impact on the team is sure to be significant.
