Get ready for some serious swimming excellence as we dive into the 2025 Swammy Awards! This year, we're celebrating the incredible talent of our 10 and under swimmers, and trust me, these kids are breaking records and making waves.
The Rising Stars of Swimming
Our first shining star is Annabelle Hayes, a force to be reckoned with in the pool. Despite turning 11, she dominated as a 10-year-old, leaving an indelible mark on the 2025 swimming season. With top-10 times in a whopping 18 events and the fastest times in the nation for 11 of those, she's a true champion. Her short course prowess was evident, leading the country in the 100 free, 500 free, and 100 back. But it was her long course performance that truly set her apart, ranking her among the all-time greats in multiple events.
But here's where it gets interesting: she didn't even touch breaststroke! Yet, in long course, she dominated, ranking first in all four freestyle distances, both backstroke events, the 50 fly, and the 200 IM. Her times in the 100 back and 200 IM are second only to the legendary Miriam Sheehan and Kayla Han, respectively. And her long course times? They're nothing short of extraordinary, ranking her among the top 20 swimmers of all time in multiple events.
And this is the part most people miss: she's not the only one making waves. Eaton Heng, from Xtreme Swim Club, is another standout. Despite only being 11 now, he holds an impressive nine top times in the country for 10 and under boys. And get this - just six months ago, he had never even swum a sanctioned race! Yet, he's now tied for a National Age Group Record in the 50 free.
But the story doesn't end there. Addie Farrier, a 9-year-old from Clearwater Aquatic Team, is leading the country's IMX and IMR ratings for all 10 and under swimmers. And Erica Wang, from Lakeside Aquatic Club, has consistently held top-10 times for three seasons running.
So, who do you think deserves the Swammy Award for the Top 10 and Under Swimmer of the Year? Is it the record-breaking Annabelle Hayes, the rising star Eaton Heng, or one of the other incredible athletes mentioned? Let's celebrate these young swimmers and their remarkable achievements!
P.S. Don't forget to check out the links for more details on these amazing athletes and their journeys.
