USC sprinting superstar Vlad Morozov had one of the most memorable NCAA Championship meets in history in 2013, where he became the first person to swim a 50 freestyle in under 18 seconds (on a relay start), and also broke a legendary Cesar Cielo 100 free NCAA/U.S. Open Record.

As it turns out, that was a final farewell to NCAA swimming for the Russian-born Morozov. He announced on Monday evening that he would forego his final year of eligibility and join the professional ranks.

Morozov first posted on his Facebook page, and then followed up with a Twitter, the announcement that had been largely anticipated on the decks of the Pac-12 all season: “This time I’m returning to the grind as a professional swimmer. Will definitely miss collegiate swimming and racing with my boys. Fight on!”

Morozov qualified two weeks ago for the 2013 World Championship squad that will go to Barcelona, Spain, and is the world’s fastest in 2013 in the 100 long course meter freestyle, plus is ranked 4th in the 50 free. He qualified to swim both races, along with at least the 50 and 100 backstrokes, at the Russia Cup.

In the fall, when Morozov had the opportunity to focus on training and racing without school, and he used that focus to win the World Short Course Championship titles in both the 50 and 100 freestyles.

See Garrett McCaffrey’s interview with Vlad Morozov earlier this year here.