FAST Swimmers Continue to Improve in Week Three

The Fayette Area Swim Team (FAST) continued its strong summer season as 93 of the team’s 117 swimmers traveled to Weimar to compete against the Schulenburg Sharks and WAKE Aquatics in the third meet of the season.

Despite the summer heat and a busy competition schedule, FAST swimmers continued to show the benefits of their hard work and dedication. An impressive 46% of the team improved their times from previous swims, with some athletes dropping more than eight seconds from their events.

The meet also produced another impressive milestone for the FAST program, as swimmers combined to break nine additional team records, continuing what has already become a historic season for the team.

Leading the way were several individual record breaking performances. Adalyn Emmel continued her dominance in the 11-12 girls division, breaking both the 50-yard Backstroke and 50yard Butterfly records for the third consecutive week. In the 13-14 age group, Andy Wyatt set new team records in both the 100-yard Individual Medley and the 50-yard Butterfly, showcasing his versatility across multiple events.

Makenna Emmel also continued her record-setting season, lowering her own 13-14 girls 50-yard Butterfly record for the third week in a row. In the senior division, Adysen Janacek added her name to the FAST record board by setting a new 15-18 girls 50-yard Breaststroke record, while Gavin Cook capped off the meet with a record-breaking swim in the 15-18 boys 50yard Breaststroke.

The coaches continue to be amazed by the commitment displayed by FAST swimmers throughout the summer. While many children spend their summer mornings sleeping in, FAST athletes are up before sunrise, making the trip to practice and putting in the work before most people have even started their day. The dedication shown each morning continues to translate into success in the pool.

One swimmer who especially caught the coaches’ attention this week was Gus Boothe. In one of the most impressive swims of the meet, Gus dropped an incredible 20 seconds from his freestyle time. His determination and hard work paid off in a big way and served as an example of the tremendous improvement that can happen when swimmers trust the process and continue working toward their goals.

The meet was also filled with exciting races and numerous close finishes. FAST swimmers repeatedly found themselves battling strokefor- stroke with competitors from Schulenburg and WAKE, creating some of the most exciting moments of the day. Several races came down to the final few yards, with swimmers fighting all the way to the wall and demonstrating the competitive spirit that has become a hallmark of the FAST program.

“Our favorite thing as coaches is seeing swimmers realize what they’re capable of,” said the coaching staff. “The medals and ribbons are great, but watching swimmers take huge chunks of time off their races and gain confidence in themselves is what makes all the early mornings worth it. We are proud of every swimmer who stepped up and competed hard this week.”

With nine more records falling this week, FAST swimmers have now broken 39 team records through the first three meets of the season, an incredible accomplishment that reflects the dedication of the athletes, coaches, and families that make up the FAST program.

As the season reaches its midpoint, FAST continues to build momentum with every meet. The combination of hard work at practice, team support, and a genuine love for the sport has positioned the team for continued success as they head into the final weeks of the summer season.