Swim Club's Second Season Makes Waves

The ICSB swim team built on its growing experience this season through two meets, opening in Bratislava and later traveling to Prague for the DVAC competition in Czechia. In only the team’s second year, the Bulldogs showed progress, perseverance, and a strong team culture throughout the season.

The first Swim Meet took place in Bratislava. Although the team still had limited time to prepare, every swimmer achieved at least one personal best, making the meet a rewarding start to the season. The results reflected the team’s hard work and the commitment required for early morning practices at the pool. 

The second meet brought the Bulldogs to Prague for the DVAC competition, where the team turned in another strong showing. Zsigmond "Zsiga"  B. led the way with two first-place finishes, earning gold in the 50m Breaststroke and the 100m Individual Medley. In relay competition, Noah M., Liam O., Zsiga B., and Joe D. placed fourth in the 4x50 Freestyle Relay. Swimmers across the team also recorded personal best times once again in their individual races, continuing to show the progress made over the course of the season.

The team’s success was shaped not only by results in the pool, but also by the culture surrounding it. Returning members Kira E. and Liam O. took ownership of the team in important ways, confidently demonstrating proper form and supporting their teammates. Their leadership helped create an encouraging environment where swimmers could keep learning, improving, and celebrating each other's wins. 

It was a committed group of students [...] and it was great to celebrate achievements big or small, whether beating a personal record, learning how to dive, improving form, etc.

Ms. Edit Márton, Swim Club Sponsor

Zsiga B. played a key role in the development of the team. He helped with coaching and training plans, leading practices, and led with both humility and excellence. His teammates looked up to him and often turned to him with questions. Although he competed in some events, he also chose to step aside at some meets. Because he has the opportunity to swim for his professional club, he wanted to give more opportunities to teammates for whom school competition was their main chance to race. That choice spoke clearly to his character and leadership.

I overall really enjoyed this season. It was incredible to see all the effort everyone put in and the improvements that came along with it. For me, it was sometimes challenging to explain everything as best as possible as all athletes are different. The process of finding what works for each swimmer and perfecting that is something that fascinates me. When it came to my competition, I chose to not do the 100m breaststroke because the event was right before the relay. I chose to focus more on the team race and give it my all there instead of tiring myself directly before.

Zsigmond "Zsiga" B.

More than the results alone, this was a group of students marked by encouragement, growth, and a willingness to work hard together.

It was a joy to be part of this team and to work alongside Zsiga and Ms. Jenn Kelley.

Ms. Márton

Thank you to Swim Club sponsors Ms. Márton and Ms. Kelley, as well as Zsigmond B., for their leadership, and way to go, Swim Club!

Overall it was once again a great and meaningful experience, and I cannot wait to do it again next year.

Zsiga B.

Go Bulldogs!