News Summary

In the competitive swimming scene of Ames, standout athletes Lily Van Der Linden and Ky Thompson are showcasing their unique personalities as they strive for team success. Van Der Linden excels in distance events while Thompson brings energy and positivity to the pool. Together, they embody the spirit of the Ames high school swimming team, motivated by their coach’s upcoming retirement and their shared goal of achieving personal bests this season.

Ames Swimmers Lily Van Der Linden and Ky Thompson: Two Personalities, One Win-Winning Team Spirit

The bustling city of Ames is witnessing a vibrant blend of talents this swimming season. Two standout swimmers from Gilbert High School, Lily Van Der Linden and Ky Thompson, are making a splash on the Ames high school swimming team, showcasing how different personalities can unite for a common goal. While sharing the same passion for swimming, these two athletes add their own unique flair to the team dynamics.

Lily Van Der Linden: The Distance Dynamo

Senior Lily Van Der Linden is nothing short of a superstar in the pool. As the top returning distance swimmer for Ames, she has carved a niche for herself, especially evident from her impressive performance at the 2024 IGHSAU state swimming and diving meet where she clinched a commendable ninth place in the 500-yard freestyle and 15th in the 200-yard freestyle. It’s hard to miss her competitive edge as she powers through the water, showcasing a fierce determination that sets a spirited example for her teammates.

Starting her swimming journey at the age of 11, Van Der Linden has been affiliated with the Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club, where she honed her skills and developed a love for the sport. An exciting aspect of swimming for her is engaging with peers from various school districts. She finds it a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and form lasting bonds. This is evident in her camaraderie with teammate Ellie McCorkle, who is also a powerful swimmer and previously placed fourth in the 200 freestyle at the state meet.

What makes Van Der Linden truly exceptional is her willingness to swim any event that benefits the team. She’s ready to step into almost any role that can help garner points, demonstrating a lovely sense of team spirit and commitment.

Ky Thompson: The Energetic Entertainer

On the other hand, junior Ky Thompson adds a whole new dynamic to the swimming team with her bubbly and outgoing personality. Her vibrant energy brings life to team practices, making them fun and welcoming for everyone. Thompson takes on multiple events, swimming the 100 freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly. She’s also a pivotal member of the relays, participating in both the 400 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay.

The 2024 state meet also had Thompson making her mark, where she placed 14th in the 100 backstroke and helped her squad finish in eighth respective position in the 400 freestyle relay. One of her fondest memories is recalling a motivational pep talk from Coach Joe Fisher before her first 500 freestyle—a moment that showcased the supportive atmosphere cultivated within the team.

A Bond Built on Team Spirit

Despite the striking contrasts in their personalities, both Van Der Linden and Thompson share a common purpose. They’re fixed on sending off their beloved coach, Joe Fisher, in style as he prepares for retirement at the end of the boys’ swimming season. Their desire to achieve team success and individual state qualifications is a testament to their dedication. Both athletes focus on achieving personal best times while enjoying every bit of their swimming season, proving that hard work can be fun.

What truly shines through in their partnership is the unwavering team spirit. They constantly encourage and motivate each other, with their contrasting styles blending seamlessly to form a cohesive unit that embodies the heart of the Ames swimming team. Whether it’s the calm determination of Van Der Linden or the infectious enthusiasm of Thompson, these swimmers are primed for a memorable season—one filled with growth, success, and cherished memories.

As the waves keep crashing in the pool, the close-knit bond between Lily Van Der Linden and Ky Thompson demonstrates how different personalities can come together, focus on teamwork, and create something truly special this swim season in Ames.

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