News Summary

At the recent World Aquatics Swimming World Cup held at the CHS Natatorium, local swimmer Alex Shackell showcased her talent, finishing second in the 200-meter butterfly. Alongside her brother Aaron and teammate Regan Smith, they made impressive showings during the event, highlighting Carmel’s growing legacy in swimming. With strong performances, the athletes inspired younger swimmers and emphasized the importance of community support. Coach Chris Plumb believes this event will positively impact the future of swimming in Carmel, helping to establish the city as a key player in the sport.

Carmel Swimmers Make a Splash at Home Pool

A remarkable event unfolded in Carmel as local swimmer Alex Shackell took center stage during the recently held World Aquatics Swimming World Cup from October 10th to 12th at the brand-new CHS Natatorium. This was a thrilling experience not just for Alex but for everyone involved, especially her fellow swimmers, friends, and family who filled the stands to cheer her on.

Shackell Shines in Butterfly

Alex, a graduate of Carmel High School from the class of 2025, showcased her talent by finishing second in the 200-meter butterfly. She was edged out by her teammate and U.S. Olympic star Regan Smith, who swam impressively. Beyond this, Alex also made her mark in the 50 butterfly and 100 butterfly events, where she secured fourth place in both. Although she narrowly missed making it to the finals of the 200 individual medley, finishing in ninth place, her performance was nothing short of inspiring.

Family Matters

Adding to the family’s legacy in the pool, Alex’s older brother, Aaron Shackell, who previously competed in the 2024 Olympics, did not disappoint either. He finished 11th in the 400 freestyle timed finals and placed ninth in the 200 freestyle, just short of advancing to the finals. Their family spirit and passion for swimming truly shone through this event.

Scores and Rankings

In terms of overall standings, Alex is currently positioned at an impressive 11th in the overall World Cup women’s points after the first of three stops. This recognition places her well within the competition as she prepares for upcoming events. It’s evident that she’d love to share the pool with her mentor, Regan Smith, in future challenges leading up to the 2028 Olympics set to be hosted in Los Angeles.

Carmel Swim Club’s Impact

Several of Alex’s teammates from the Carmel Swim Club, including Molly Sweeney, Trent Allen, Lewis Zhang, and Yi Zheng, also participated in the preliminary rounds. Their collective efforts not only showcased their skills but also highlighted the camaraderie that swimming fosters amongst young athletes.

Going Global in a Local Pool

Alex expressed how special it was to host an international competition right at their high school pool, viewing it as an inspirational experience for younger swimmers looking to follow in their footsteps. The thrill of competing on home turf added an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Building a Swimming Legacy

Coach Chris Plumb, the head of the Carmel Swim Club, indicated that hosting such a prestigious event is a huge win for their program. He believes this will generate a lasting positive impact on emerging athletes, helping to shape the future of swimming in Carmel. The CHS Natatorium, completed in December 2024, fulfilled Coach Plumb’s dream of establishing Carmel as a swimming powerhouse in the Midwest, just a year later.

Looking Ahead

As the event wraps up, excitement lingers in the air for future competitions. Alex Shackell and her fellow swimmers from Carmel have set a high bar and proved that with hard work and determination, amazing things can happen—even in their very own backyard. Stay tuned to see how they continue to excel in the world of swimming!

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