The 2026 swimming season is upon us, and Livingston County is brimming with talented athletes, as evidenced by the top girls swimmers and divers who are poised to make their mark. The absence of Natalie Mazur, a standout performer from Brighton, opens the door for Hartland's Claire Gostlin to emerge as a strong contender for the Swimmer of the Year title. With her impressive achievements, Gostlin is setting the stage for a remarkable career at Hartland.
Gostlin's achievements are truly remarkable. Breaking the school 200 individual medley record in her first meet and lowering it to 2:07.91 with an all-state seventh-place finish at the Division 1 finals is a testament to her talent. Her ability to make all-state in two events since Alex Nelson in 2015 showcases her versatility and skill. Second place in the 200 IM and third in butterfly at the KLAA meet further solidify her position as a top contender.
Katie Gray, a junior from Brighton, also shines with her 20th-place finish in the 50 freestyle at the Division 1 finals, clocking in at 25.00 seconds. Her best time of 24.67 in the KLAA meet and third-place finish in the 100 freestyle at the same event demonstrate her consistency and prowess in the pool.
Emily Clark, a junior from Pinckney, stands out for her versatility across multiple sports. She became the county's first diver to score at a state meet since Emma Kehn in 2015, taking ninth place at the Division 2 finals with a score of 354.65 points. Her achievement in making the state meet in diving, gymnastics, and track and field (pole vault) as a sophomore is truly remarkable.
Anabelle Respondek, a senior from Howell, has been a consistent performer, making the all-county first team twice. Her qualification for the state meet in the 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle, coupled with wins in both events at the KLAA B meet, showcases her speed and determination. Respondek's times of 25.26 in the 50 freestyle and 54.33 in the 100 freestyle earned her all-KLAA honors, further cementing her status as a top swimmer.
Lastly, Maisie Potts, a senior from Brighton, excels in longer races, qualifying for the state meet in the 500 and 200 freestyle. Her 22nd-place finish in the 200 freestyle and 26th-place finish in the 500 freestyle at the Division 1 finals, along with her third and sixth-place finishes in the same events at the KLAA championships, highlight her endurance and skill.
In conclusion, the 2026 swimming season promises to be an exciting one, with these talented athletes leading the way. Their achievements and potential for future success make them the ones to watch as they strive for excellence in the pool.
