Three-peat at Nationals

Connor McHugh after he sets the national record in the 100 Breast. Submitted photo.

The final YMCA Short Course National Championships for Conner McHugh was everything he could hope and dream of. During the four-day meet, Conner swam 12 events, qualifying with his teammates in four National relays. Conner swam the 50 Free, 100 and 200 Breast and the 200 Individual Medley for individual events. What was unique at this meet was Max, his younger brother, qualified for the exact same events-at age 14.

Starting out with the 200 Breast, Conner set the new 15-18 year old Wisconsin State Record with a time of 1:56.89. He placed second in the event by dropping more than two seconds. On the third night, Conner did something no other swimmer has ever done at Nationals in the 100 breaststroke, repeating as the National Champion for the third year in a row, and setting the new National record of 53.47. This time he also broke his own 15-18 Wisconsin State record.

Max and Connor McHugh

The last night, Conner placed third in the 200 IM, swimming another best time. Not only were these accomplishments special, qualifying for four national relays and swimming with his brother on all four made this meet especially memorable. Along with Jared Klika and Ryan Scripp, the relays placed very well, with a final finish and 12th place in the 400 Medley relay.

Max McHugh, 14 years old, also had an exceptional meet. He just missed the final in the 200 Breast with a 2:05.75, placing 25th. Twenty-four swimmers swim in finals. His time is the new 13-14 Wisconsin State Record. In the 100 Breast, he made finals and placed 18th with a time of 56.63, another 13-14 Wisconsin State record. To place this well at the National meet is truly remarkable, considering that the next 14-year-old placed 125th. There were 139 swimmers in the 100 Breast, 105 in the 200 Breast that qualified and swam the events.