News Summary

Local swimming star Aaron Shackell has transferred to Indiana University after competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Returning to his roots allows him to be closer to family as he joins a strong swim program alongside his siblings. Despite health challenges during his time in Texas, Aaron is determined to continue improving and contributing to the IU swim team’s success. His journey reflects not only individual talent but also the importance of family support in sports.

Carmel Welcomes Back U.S. Olympian Aaron Shackell as He Transfers to Indiana University

Big news from Carmel as local swimming star Aaron Shackell makes a splash by transferring to Indiana University! After a remarkable journey that included competing at the prestigious 2024 Paris Olympics and a brief stint at the University of Texas, Aaron has chosen to join the swim program at IU, where he will reunite with his siblings Alex and Andrew Shackell. Both are also set to make waves in the swimming world as they will graduate from Carmel High School in 2025, solidifying this family’s place in the spotlight.

A Journey Filled with Challenges and Triumphs

Aaron Shackell, a proud 2023 graduate of Carmel High School, has had quite the swimming career already, and he’s just getting started. Competing at the Olympic level, he secured an impressive eighth-place finish in the 400-meter freestyle in Paris. Before moving on to IU, he spent time with both the University of California, Berkeley and Texas, although his experience in Texas was marred by frustrating health issues. Sinus infections and tonsil problems made it tough for him to train effectively under the hot Texas sun, leading to limited swim sessions.

Coming back home to Carmel in December after just one semester at Texas, Aaron was at a crossroads, unsure of what his next move would be. However, once the NCAA transfer portal opened, he seized the perfect opportunity to join his siblings at Indiana University. For Aaron, this decision is about more than just the competitive swimming scene; it’s also about a sense of community and being close to family.

Training and Future Goals

Even with his Olympic debut under his belt, Aaron isn’t resting on his laurels. He has at least two more years of NCAA eligibility to hone his skills. At Indiana, he will continue to train under high school coach Chris Plumb, who is highly respected in the swimming community. This “hybrid” training schedule allows Aaron a balance akin to his sister Alex, who is also a rising star in the Carmel Swim Club while potentially competing for IU.

Throughout high school, Aaron established himself as a top-tier athlete, finishing ranked #6 among his peers. His impressive collegiate records feature a time of 4:30.94 in the 500 freestyle at Texas, although it was shy of his personal best of 4:15.35. Recently, he competed at the US Summer Nationals and narrowly missed the ‘A’ finals, finishing 11th in the 200 freestyle. His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but resilience is a trait that Aaron embodies fiercely.

Joining Forces with Family and Team Success

The Indiana University men’s swim team is projected to be a powerhouse, especially with Aaron, Alex, and Andrew joining the ranks. The team recently secured third place at the 2025 NCAA Championships, just 12 points behind second-place Cal. This family trio is expected to contribute significantly to the already thriving program.

As Aaron transitions to his new setting, he is excited about the prospect of competing against strong rivals while under the mentorship of Coach Plumb. Once again, it seems the Shackell siblings are ready to put Carmel, Indiana, on the map in the world of competitive swimming, bringing their family legacy with them. It’s certainly a time to cheer as they tackle new challenges together!

This movement in the swimming world showcases not just Aaron’s talent and tenacity, but also the strength of family bonds and support. Here’s to hoping the upcoming seasons at IU are filled with victories, personal bests, and unforgettable memories for the Shackell family.

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