News Summary
The 57th annual Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association Swimming Championships highlighted the achievements of young swimmers at the North Charleston Aquatic Center. Daniel Island Swim Team secured its third consecutive championship with a record score of 3114.5 points, showcasing 55 finalists. Notable performances included Ellie Chalupsky setting new city meet records and multiple records broken across various events, emphasizing the skill and collaboration among participating teams.
North Charleston, South Carolina – The 57th annual Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association (CCAA) Swimming Championships took place at the North Charleston Aquatic Center on July 6, showcasing an impressive display of talent and teamwork among aspiring young swimmers. A total of 18 teams participated in the event, which demonstrated not only individual skill but also the power of community in youth sports.
The most notable achievement of the championships was the Daniel Island Swim Team, which won their third consecutive CCAA championship, accumulating a record score of 3114.5 points. Northbridge Terrace followed in second place with 2702.6 points, while Snee Farm secured third with 2645 points. Daniel Island significantly highlighted its depth and talent by qualifying 55 swimmers for the finals.
This year’s championships saw several record-setting performances. Senior swimmer Ellie Chalupsky from Daniel Island dominated the pool by setting new city meet records in the 100 fly with a time of 25.51 seconds, and in the 100 back at 25.83 seconds, as well as winning the 100 IM with a time of 58.49 seconds. Chalupsky, a distinguished athlete recognized as a four-time South Carolina state champion and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, has made the commitment to further her swimming career at Arizona State University.
Another standout performance came from Finn Gaston of Daniel Island, who excelled in three individual events and set a new record in the 100 IM with a time of 1:17.74. Furthermore, Heyward Loichinger from Northbridge Terrace set a new record in the 50-breast with a time of 31.53 seconds, while Easton Drost of Summerville YMCA tied a previous record in the 50-fly, clocking in at 27.78 seconds, a record that has stood since 2017.
Relay events played a pivotal role in the competition, with teams earning 62 points for first-place finishes, highlighting the importance of collaborative effort alongside individual achievements. The blend of personal bests and record-breaking performances emphasized personal growth and development among the youth swimmers, as well as the camaraderie fostered through years of competitive swimming.
Participation in the event exceeded 900 swimmers, many of whom have invested years in the sport, demonstrating a strong sense of community and shared commitment to swimming. The CCAA championships also served as a platform for acknowledging senior swimmers who have dedicated a substantial portion of their lives to the sport, with various collegiate and Olympic aspirations brought to the forefront during the event.
Recognizing the essential role of volunteers, the championship highlighted the support system that strengthens local swim programs. These events rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers who ensure smooth operations, allowing swimmers to focus on their performance and achieve their goals.
The CCAA Swimming Championships not only featured budding talent but also fostered a spirit of resilience and teamwork, reinforcing the community’s commitment to nurturing future stars in the sport of swimming. As participants and teams continue to grow and develop, the future of youth swimming in South Carolina appears bright.
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Additional Resources
- HSSR: Daniel Island Wins Third Summer CCAA Swim Title
- Wikipedia: Swimming
- SwimSwam: Bishop England Girls Win 3rd Straight State Title
- Google Search: Youth Swimming Championships
- HSSR: Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming
- NCAA: Swimming
- Google News: Youth Swimming in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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