The 2026 CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships are underway, and the preliminary rounds have already set the stage for an exciting competition. With the diving finals completed and the swimming prelims underway, the meet is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of talent. The top swimmers and divers are battling it out for a chance to advance to the finals and secure their spot on the podium.
One of the standout performers in the girls' events is Kelsey Zhang, a Saratoga senior and Cal commit. Zhang dominated the 200 IM and 100 butterfly events, setting the pace for her teammates and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her times were impressive, and she will undoubtedly be a contender for the gold medal in the finals.
The diving competition saw some fierce competition, with Saint Mary's junior Lucius Haddad taking the boys' event with a score of 556.60. Haddad's performance was exceptional, and he will be a tough opponent for the rest of the divers. On the girls' side, Mater Dei senior Gianna Kenrick dominated the competition with a score of 520.75 points, leaving her rivals in the dust.
The 200 medley relay saw some close races, with Campolindo and Davis High School trading places in the top spots. Campolindo's team, consisting of Chloe Cooper, Elise Gratton, Emma Sloan, and Lucy Kao, touched the wall in 1:43.40, just two tenths ahead of Davis High School. The boys' relay also saw some exciting races, with Valley Christian taking the top spot with a time of 1:29.47.
The 200 freestyle events showcased some impressive performances, with McKinley Scobie from Foothill High School setting the top time in the girls' event with a time of 1:47.90. Scobie's performance was a testament to her dedication and hard work, and she will be a strong contender for the gold medal. On the boys' side, Northwood senior and USC commit Andrew Maksymowski swam the top time with a time of 1:35.29.
The 200 IM and 100 fly events saw some talented swimmers battling it out for the top spots. Kelsey Zhang once again shone in the girls' 200 IM, setting a strong pace for her competitors. The boys' 100 fly event also saw some impressive performances, with the top three swimmers separated by just six tenths.
As the competition progresses, the excitement builds. The CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, and the preliminary rounds have already set the stage for some thrilling races in the finals. The meet is a true celebration of the sport, and the swimmers and divers are giving their all to make their mark on the competition.
