Swedish Breaststroker Linus Kahl Transferring From Alabama to South Carolina

Alabama sophomore Linus Kahl announced his transfer to the University of South Carolina on Instagram last weekend.

It only took the 6-foot-3 Swedish breaststroke specialist a couple weeks to find a new home within the SEC after entering the transfer portal on April 20. The SEC eliminated its eligibility restrictions for intraconference transfers in 2021, meaning that Kahl will be available to compete immediately next season.

“I’m extremely excited to continue my academic and athletic career as a Gamecock at the University of South Carolina,” Kahl said. “Big thanks to my parents for always supporting me on my journey and to coach Jeff for helping through the process.”

“Thank you to my family and friends at Alabama for these past couple of years, you will forever have a special place in my heart!”

Kahl made B-finals in the 100 breast (52.78) and 200 breast (1:55.48) at the 2023 SEC Championships, placing 14th and 13th, respectively. He also placed 21st in the 200 IM (1:45.37). Kahl lowered his best 100 breast time at the Bulldogs Last Chance meet toward the end of February, clocking a 52.56.

His best times in the 100 breast and 200 breast would have ranked as the fastest on South Carolina’s squad last season.

Best Times (SCY)

• 100 breast – 52.56
• 200 breast – 1:55.48
• 200 IM – 1:44.84

Last year as a freshman, he scored in the 100 breast (52.95), 200 breast (1:55.84), and 200 IM (1:44.33) at the 2022 SEC Championships.

The Gamecocks have been led by head coach Jeff Poppell since the 2021-22 season. Last year, the South Carolina men placed 9th out of 10 teams with 410.5 points, an improvement upon their 10th-place finish in 2022.

The Crimson Tide are still down a pair of associate head coaches after the departures of Ozzie Quevedo and James Barber last month. Alabama sophomore Mateo Miceli (butterfly), sophomore Jackson Dement (freestyle), and senior Jocelyn Fisher (breaststroke/butterfly/IM). The Crimson Tide men placed 19th at NCAAs in their second season under head coach Margo Geer, snapping a streak of eight straight top-15 finishes.