The girls’ swimming and diving team from Detroit Lakes showcased their skills at the Class A state championships held at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center from November 13 to 15, 2023. Four athletes from the team—Grace Hamm, Marian Martin, Emily Peterson, and Sophia Karlgaard—competed in three events, with Hamm participating in all of them.
The competition kicked off with the 200-yard medley relay on November 14. The relay team secured a commendable 19th place, finishing three spots higher than their initial seed, achieving a time of 1:57.83. This strong start set a positive tone for the Lakers.
Hamm then entered the fray individually with the 200-yard individual medley (IM). She swam to a 19th-place finish with a time of 2:18.94, improving her position from her original seed. This performance paved the way for her participation in the consolation finals for the 100-yard butterfly event on November 15.
In the butterfly event, Hamm not only qualified for the consolation final but also excelled with a 15th-place finish, clocking in at 1:00.50. This performance demonstrated her determination and skill, culminating in a stellar showing in the consolation finals, where she achieved a remarkable third-place finish with a time of 59.69. This result represented a significant improvement, as she shaved nearly a second off her preliminary time, ultimately placing her 11th overall in the event.
The Detroit Lakes girls’ team concluded their season on a high note, with Hamm’s performances highlighting the team’s growth and competitive spirit. The experience gained at the state championships will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future successes as they look ahead to the upcoming seasons.
