The return of Ryan Held to competitive swimming was a highlight of the recent Texas Senior Circuit #2 meet, held at the SMU pool. Held, a former Olympic gold medalist, raced in his first USA Swimming meet since his retirement last August. Despite not being at his peak performance, Held still managed to turn heads with his swims in the 50 free and 100 backstroke. His times of 23.24 in the 50 free and 58.22 in the 100 backstroke were respectable, albeit not up to his previous standards. This meet marks a step towards his stated goal of continuing his swimming career as a masters swimmer.
The meet also showcased the prowess of other swimmers, including Olympians Olivia Smoliga and Maddy Parker. Smoliga, a multiple-time medalist, won all her events, albeit with times slightly off her season bests. Parker, a recent college graduate, demonstrated her strength in the 50 and 100 frees, finishing second in both events. Her performance in the 200 freestyle, where she set a new personal best, was particularly impressive.
The men's and women's breaststrokers were also in top form, with Mitch Mason and Luke Barr claiming victories in their respective events. Mason's times were close to his season bests, while Barr's performances were notable for their consistency. Hayden Miller, a distance swimmer, won the women's 400 freestyle and impressed with her 200 free and 100 freestyle prelims times.
The meet also featured some young talent, such as Kennedi Southern and Cullen Kahl. Southern, a high school sophomore, won the 50 freestyle and set season bests in the 100 free and 50 back. Kahl, another 16-year-old, achieved a season best in the 400 IM and set a personal best in the 200 backstroke. Canadian swimmer Francis Brennan made an impressive debut at SMU, winning the men's 200 freestyle with a new personal best time.
Overall, the Texas Senior Circuit #2 meet showcased a diverse range of swimming talent, from established Olympians to up-and-coming young swimmers. It served as a reminder of the depth and competitiveness of the sport, and the potential for future stars to emerge from these meets.
