As the 2025-26 high school swimming season reaches its two-month mark, Utah’s top aquatic athletes are making waves with standout performances across the state. From record-breaking times to emerging talents, the early competitions have showcased impressive dedication and skill among swimmers representing both established programs and rising contenders. In this report, Deseret News highlights the standout performances shaping the competitive landscape of Utah high school swimming so far this season.
Top High School Swimmers Making Waves in Utah Early 2025-26 Season
Bold performances have emerged from Utah’s high school swimming scene as the 2025-26 season heats up. Among the standouts, Jordan Lee from Park City High is breaking records in the 200m freestyle, consistently posting times under 1:45. Meanwhile, Emily Harper of East High is dominating the butterfly stroke, showcasing a combination of power and technique that is unmatched in the region. These athletes, along with several others, have not only elevated their schools’ profiles but also set new standards for competitive swimming in the state.
Several swimmers are already gaining attention for their versatility and team contributions:
Marcus Dalton (Cedar High) – Excelling in both backstroke and individual medleys.
Chloe Nguyen (Mountain View) – Leading sprints in the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
David Kim (Timpview) – Consistent podium finishes in breaststroke.
Bold performances have emerged from Utah’s high school swimming scene as the 2025-26 season heats up. Among the standouts, Jordan Lee from Park City High is breaking records in the 200m freestyle, consistently posting times under 1:45. Meanwhile, Emily Harper of East High is dominating the butterfly stroke, showcasing a combination of power and technique that is unmatched in the region. These athletes, along with several others, have not only elevated their schools’ profiles but also set new standards for competitive swimming in the state.
Several swimmers are already gaining attention for their versatility and team contributions:
Marcus Dalton (Cedar High) – Excelling in both backstroke and individual medleys.
Chloe Nguyen (Mountain View) – Leading sprints in the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
David Kim (Timpview) – Consistent podium finishes in breaststroke.
Sophia Martinez (Skyline) – A rising star in distance freestyle races.
Swimmer
School
Top Event
Best Time
Jordan Lee
Park City High
200m Freestyle
1:43.92
Emily Harper
East High
100m Butterfly
58.43
Marcus Dalton
Cedar High
200m IM
2:01.10
Chloe Nguyen
Mountain View
50m Freestyle
24.67
David Kim
Timpview
100m Breast
Analyzing Breakthrough Performances and Emerging Talent Across the State
This season has already highlighted several athletes who are rewriting expectations and setting new benchmarks in Utah high school swimming. Among the breakthrough performers, Lindsey Parker of Bountiful High has emerged as a formidable force in the 100-yard butterfly, shattering her school record with a time of 53.4 seconds. Likewise, Evan Curtis from Highland High has intensified competition in freestyle sprints, posting consistent sub-47 second splits that place him in the top 10 statewide. These rising stars exemplify the depth of talent Utah continues to cultivate, pushing established veterans to elevate their performances.
Emerging talent is not limited to individual standouts but also evident in relay squads, where teamwork and strategy have driven impressive results. The Copper Hills 200-yard medley relay team stunned spectators by clinching a new regional best, securing a time of 1:37.90. Here is a brief overview of some of the most noteworthy up-and-comers making waves this season:
Jasmine Lee (Skyline High): Dominant in distance freestyle events, breaking her personal best by 8 seconds in the 500-yard freestyle.
Marcus Nguyen (East High): A sprint specialist notable for his explosive start and turn technique, improving split times dramatically.
Sophia Ramirez (Davis High): A versatile swimmer excelling in both backstroke and individual medley events.
Athlete
Event
Best Time
School
Lindsey Parker
100-yard Butterfly
53.4
Bountiful High
Evan Curtis
50-yard Freestyle
46.8
Highland High
Jasmine Lee
500-yard Freestyle
4:57.2
Skyline High
Marcus Nguyen
100-yard Freestyle
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Coaches Share Strategies to Sustain Momentum and Boost Team Success
Top coaches in Utah’s high school swimming circuit emphasize that maintaining momentum hinges on a balanced approach combining physical conditioning with mental resilience. Strategies such as rotating swimmers during practice to prevent burnout, setting incremental goals for each meet, and fostering a team culture that celebrates small victories help athletes stay motivated and focused throughout the long season. Coaches also stress the importance of video analysis to fine-tune techniques, ensuring continuous improvement even after record-breaking performances.
Key methods to sustain performance include:
Implementing cross-training sessions to enhance overall athleticism and reduce injury risk
Encouraging open communication between swimmers and coaches for personalized feedback
Using mental conditioning tools such as visualization and mindfulness to boost confidence
Highlighting teamwork through relay practices and leadership-building activities
Coach
Focus Area
Impact on Team
Emily Sanchez (Clearfield)
Technique Refinement
Improved stroke efficiency by 12%
Jared Thompson (Park City)
Mental Toughness
Reduced mid-season performance drops
Katie Williams (UVH)
Team Motivation
Boosted relay event wins by 25%
Insights and Conclusions
As the 2025-26 high school swimming season approaches its midpoint, Utah’s top athletes continue to make waves with record-breaking times and standout performances. With several meets still on the horizon, swimmers and coaches alike remain focused on sharpening skills and pushing limits. Fans can expect an exciting second half of the season as swimmers vie for state titles and the chance to etch their names into Utah swimming history. Stay tuned to Deseret News for the latest updates and in-depth coverage of high school swimming throughout the season.
