Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Issaquah Swim Team’s Aaron Bell has committed to Brown University for the Fall of 2026.
Bell recently competed at the Speedo Winter Junior Championships in Austin, where he finished 7th overall in the 50 freestyle, touching in a lifetime-best effort of 19.89, one hundredth faster than the time he had set in prelims at 19.90, marking the first time he had ever broken 20 seconds. Bell also added a 24th place finish in the 100 free (45.23), and a 40th place performance in the 100 butterfly in 48.89.
A week later, Bell bested his newly minted 50 free best at the Washington State Senior SCY Championships, firing off a winning time of 19.86. He also set best times at that meet in the 50 backstroke (22.14), 50 fly (21.35), and the 100 fly (48.42).
Bell hails from Issaquah, Washington, and represents Issaquah High School. As a junior, Bell notched his fastest ever 100 free time in a state championships winning effort of 44.55, adding that victory to another one he collected at the WIAA Boys 4A State Championship in the 50 free in 20.23.
His efforts helped lead Issaquah to its first-ever Boys State championship title, finishing just 17 points ahead of runners-up Newport.
Bell was recently named to the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American team for the 2nd time, and was named as an NISCA All-American in the 50 and 100 free.
Best Times SCY:
- 50 Free: 19.86
- 100 Free: 44.55
- 200 Free: 1:43.18
- 100 Fly: 48.42
- 100 Back: 50.58
The Brown University men finished 4th overall at the 2025 Ivy League Swimming and Diving Championships.
Based on Bell’s best times, he would have qualified 16th in the 50 free, 22nd in the 100 fly, and just outside scoring position in 28th in the 100 free.
Bell makes the perfect addition to this Brown team, having just graduated their only 50 free swimmer in the top 16 at last season’s Ivy League Championships in Marcus Lee, who finished 14th in 19.80.
He would have been just inside the scoring line last season in the 100 fly, but just a few hundredths off of 100 free scoring.
Bell’s flat-out speed is super useful not only for his individual lineup but also for how he could factor into potential free and medley relays. Bell boasts best times of 21.35 in the 50 fly and 22.14 in the 50 back from flat starts.
Comparing Bell to this current Brown team, he would hold the fastest 50 free time, the 3rd fastest 100 fly, and the 4th fastest 100 free. As for those stroke 50s, Bell would top the 50 fly and 50 back times.
His recent success suggests that he is still improving and still getting faster. A .11 improvement in the 50 free would have placed him in the ‘A’ final at last season’s Ivy League Championships.
Bell joins Abir Bhatia, Reed Harris, Avi Stahl, Myles Koff, Jack Ketchum, Noah Chen, and Kian Olsson in Brown’s loaded 2026 recruiting class.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
this kid has potential to be rocket fast once he hits college training. jeez