For the third season in a row, Atom Swimming will be represented at the State Championship Meet. At the District Swim Meet, junior James Chilton qualified for States in the 100 meter freestyle with a time of 47.82. At the Regional Championship Meet, Chilton also made it for the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.
The 200 medley relay consists of senior Noah Popp in backstroke, sophomore Connor Uzokoff in breaststroke, Chilton in butterfly, and senior Finn Sample in freestyle. These swimmers broke the school record that was set just last year with a time of 1:37.45.
The 200 freestyle relay team record was also broken by Popp, junior Ricky Nguyen, Sample, and Chilton with a time of 1:27.76. Sample said, “I am super happy about breaking our own record this year and still having the chance to do it again at States. I am blessed to have a team and three other guys to share this with.”
Swimming has always been a big part of Chilton’s life. “I started swimming when I was five years old with my summer team, the Forest Hollow Gators,” Chilton said. He’s remained dedicated to developing in his sport, also swimming at the club level with the St. James Swim Team.
For team spirit and strong chemistry, some swimmers of the relay squad and other teammates dyed their hair red for regionals. It is clear that the team camaraderie is strong and there are great bonds among each other.
While many of these swimmers are used to competing against each other on their summer teams, it is rewarding to be able to swim together on a high school team and combine their talents.
The Atoms are led this season by new head coach Juliann Branch. “Our new coach has helped me and my teammates to work hard and push ourselves during practice. She also organizes lots of team bonding events to help us grow and get closer as a team,” said Chilton.
With there being two weeks in between the Regional meet and States, the swimmers are doing all they can to be at their best when it counts. Chilton says, “I am preparing for States by getting a lot of sleep, eating healthy, and focusing on my technique in practice.”
You can watch the team compete on Saturday, February 22. At Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center in Stafford, Virginia, and also follow their success on instagram @atomsswimdive.
