UPDATE: Rochester’s top swimmers are ready to compete in the state finals today, showcasing their talent at the Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis. The finals begin at 6 p.m. as local teams from Mayo, Century, and John Marshall gear up against Minnesota’s elite.
In the 200-yard medley relay, Mayo’s relay team, consisting of Elise Weingarten, Corrina Tonn, Madeline Gau, and Penelope Hauser, earned a spot in the championship finals with a preliminary time of 1:48.53, finishing eighth. Just missing out for Century, their team of JiaYin Jian-Gross, Sophie Blixt, Chloe Magnuson, and Sarah Homme placed ninth at 1:49.10 and will compete in the consolation finals.
The excitement continues as Julia Ogren from John Marshall clinched the top spot in the preliminary heats for the 100-yard butterfly with a stunning time of 53.88, earning her a chance to claim a state title. She will also compete in the 100-yard freestyle finals after finishing sixth in prelims at 51.95.
Mayo’s swimmers are not to be overlooked; Sophie Blixt is set to compete in the finals for the 100-yard breaststroke after a second-place finish in prelims at 1:04.37. Blixt, who was the state runner-up last year, faces tough competition from East Ridge’s Logan Havermann, who clocked in at 1:03.91 during preliminaries.
In other highlights, Mayo’s team of Weingarten, Halle Yuan, Hauser, and Gau is also in contention, finishing 16th in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:42.33. They will swim in the consolation final today.
The excitement for local fans is palpable as swimmers aim for All-State honors, awarded to the top eight finishers in each event. The stakes are high, and the energy is electric as these athletes prepare for their championship runs.
Stay tuned as the championship finals unfold this evening, showcasing the best of Minnesota high school swimming. Rochester has proven its prowess in the pool, and all eyes will be on these talented swimmers as they strive for victory.
