At SwimSwam we cover a lot of National Age Group record swims and age group standouts thanks Anne Lepesant’s SwimSwam Weekly Wonders, but it’s a challenge to cover everyone, a challenge we’re striving to meet because there are so many rising talents in the sport!
Hunter Hitchens, Irvine NovAquatics, is a standout for his range and future potential. Hunter’s posting great times across freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and both IMs. Â Checkout his short course rankings for 13 year olds, posted via USA Swimming as of April 18th, 2014:
Hitchens – 13 Year Olds – Event – National  Ranking – Time
100 Free – #1 – 47.52
200 Free – #1 – 1:43.06
500 Free – #2 – 4:38.72
400 IM – #2 – 4:08.08
200 Fly – #4 – 1:56.24
200 Back – #8 – 1:54.69
50 Free – #9 – 22.14
100 Fly – #10 – 52.87
USA Swimming released their Top 10 report May 6th, and Hunter’s producing some great times for just turning 14 (April 24th). Here are Hunter’s current long course rankings going into the Speedo Grand Challenge May 23rd – 25th.
Hitchens – 14 Year Olds – Event – National Ranking – Time
50m Free – 13th – 25.70
100m Free – 3rd – 54.39
200m Free – 3rd – 1:58.23
400m Free – 3rd – 4:08.39
800m Free – 7th – 8:56.82
1500m Free – 7th – 16:44.33
100m Back – 5th – 1:02.53
200m Back – 3rd – 2:13.01
100m Fly – 6th – 59.38
200m Fly – 2nd – 2:09.88
200m IM – 9th – 2:16.50
400m IM – 6th – 4:44.09
Congrats to Hunter on his continued development and success in swimming.
***Rankings are subject to change as more meets are hosted and times posted.
any idea where he will go to high school? I would guess UNI for public and Edison for private?
What a great story, on a great kid. Glad to hear that NACC is still on his brain considering all the great meets his future has in store for him. Look forward in watching and hearing about his continued journey in this sport.
It’s great to see today’s generation of elite junior swimmers
to be the tide that lifts American swimming, the sport wins.
We’ll see what time barriers Hunter breaks with a full year
at 14. Keep that mind set and work ethic going! You’ve
been added as one of my swimmers to watch.
I think there is incredible potential for this kid because he has exceptional natural predisposition for being a good swimmer. We saw him at NACC in Edmonton, Canada a couple years ago. Obviously he has found joy in effort with his swimming, the value of a good example and respect for his academics speaks volumes to me as a coach in his interview. I suspect that regardless of whether or not Hunter makes a US Olympic team, he will have instilled this sport in him and ultimately make him an Olympian in life outside of swimming as well.
Our team Quicksilver Swimming has hosted SC Far Westerns for many years
now so I’ve seen Hunter come up with the NOVAs to Almaden. This guy has
won the high point champion in three different age groups. He’s amazing to watch!
I worked with your mom Hunter at KP in Harbor City and she was bragging about you back then! Now i see why! Keep up the great work 🙂
You’re inspiring to my son. Thank you
for being our club’s champion. Many
Nova parents admire what you have
accomplished. Go Nova!
Very impressive having just turned 14 yrs. old. Way to go Hunter ! Looks like a lot of potential there with those times ! Very hard working young man. We are very proud !
Nana & Poppy