UPDATE: Rochester’s elite swimmers are making waves at the Class 2A state swimming and diving finals today, showcasing impressive performances against top competition. The finals are set to begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, and local teams are poised for a strong showing.
In a thrilling first day, the Mayo High School 200-yard medley relay team, featuring Elise Weingarten, Corrina Tonn, Madeline Gau, and Penelope Hauser, secured a spot in the finals with a time of 1:48.53, finishing eighth in the preliminaries. This team will compete for state honors later today.
Meanwhile, Rochester Century narrowly missed the finals, with their team of JiaYin Jian-Gross, Sophie Blixt, Chloe Magnuson, and Sarah Homme finishing ninth at 1:49.10. They will swim in the consolation final along with John Marshall’s relay team, which placed 12th with a time of 1:49.98.
In individual events, Julia Ogren from John Marshall dominated the 100-yard butterfly, winning the prelims in 53.88, and will vie for the state title later today. Blixt and Gau also qualified for the finals in this event, finishing second and sixth, respectively.
Ogren’s success doesn’t stop there; she will also compete in the 100-yard freestyle after securing sixth place with a time of 51.95. Meanwhile, Magnuson faced a tough tie for 16th in the same event, leading to an exciting swim-off that she narrowly lost.
The rivalry continues in the 200-yard freestyle relay, where Century’s team clinched fourth place with a time of 1:38.05. John Marshall followed closely in fifth at 1:38.32. Both teams will swim for state titles, showcasing Rochester’s depth in talent.
Weingarten is set for the championship final in the 100-yard backstroke after placing eighth in prelims with a time of 57.83. Gau will compete in the consolation final after finishing just behind her in tenth at 57.95.
In a standout performance, Blixt earned a spot in the finals of the 100-yard breaststroke, finishing second with a time of 1:04.37. She was a state runner-up in this event last year and looks to claim the title this time against fierce competition.
The Class 1A state swimming and diving championships will also take place today at noon, promising more thrilling action. Notably, Gracie Greenman from Austin, who finished third in the 100 back prelims, will aim for redemption after being last year’s runner-up.
With excitement building, today’s events are crucial for swimmers looking to earn All-State honors. The top eight finishers in each event will receive this prestigious recognition, spotlighting the best of Minnesota high school swimming.
As the competition heats up, all eyes are on Rochester’s talented swimmers as they make their final preparations for the championship finals. Stay tuned for updates on their performance and the crowning of Minnesota’s best swimmers!
