Riverview Wins Sixth Title
The Riverview girls swimming team secured its sixth consecutive FHSAA Class 4A state championship on Saturday at the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training facility in Ocala, Your Observer reported.
The Rams amassed 350.5 points to finish ahead of runner-up Creekside, which scored 221 points, and third-place Oviedo with 158 points.
“Why would we get tired of winning?” Riverview coach John Bruenning said, according to Your Observer.
The victory marks the program’s 13th all-time state title, tying Winter Park for the fourth-most of any girls swimming program across all classifications in Florida. Riverview captured only one individual event title during the meet, but relied on depth across the lineup and victories in two relays to secure the championship.
Sydney Hardy Leads Rams
Sophomore Sydney Hardy won three individual and relay gold medals to lead the Rams through the state meet. She captured the 200-yard individual medley title in 1:58.81, finishing 4.23 seconds ahead of the field.
“I still get kind of nervous,” Hardy said, Your Observer reported. “But it’s fun.”
Hardy also teamed up with Allie Pearson, Angelina Lista, and Sophia Malkowicz to win the 200-yard medley relay in 1:41.21. She added a second relay gold in the 200-yard freestyle relay at 1:33.38 and tied for a silver medal in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 54.37 seconds.
Jackson Irwin Claims Crown
Sarasota senior Jackson Irwin won the boys 500-yard freestyle title in 4:19.51, finishing more than five seconds ahead of his closest competitor. His performance capped a three-year climb on the podium after placing third in 2024 and second in 2025.
“I was cruising through the water,” Irwin said, according to Your Observer.
“Probably the best swim I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Irwin entered the final after posting the fifth-fastest preliminary time of 4:27.36. He dropped over 18 seconds from his district-meet performance to secure Sarasota’s lone individual state title of the weekend.
Relays Shape Meet
Riverview’s strategy focused heavily on relay dominance to outpace rival programs. Bruenning outlined the tactical choice before the races began.
“I had a conversation with all the girls and said, ‘Listen, we can go three relays and probably be top two or three, or we can go win two relays and make a statement — put people on notice,'” Bruenning said, Your Observer reported.
The Rams executed the plan by winning the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay while taking fifth in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Individual podium finishes included Pearson taking silver in the 50-yard freestyle and bronze in the 100-yard freestyle, Lista placing third in the 100-yard butterfly, and Kaitlyn Gebhardt earning silver in the 500-yard freestyle.
State Meet Results
The FHSAA Class 4A state championship concluded on Saturday at the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training facility in Ocala with Riverview claiming the girls team trophy and Sarasota’s Jackson Irwin winning the boys 500-yard freestyle.
| Team / Athlete | Event | Result / Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverview Girls Swimming | Team Standings | State Champion | 350.5 |
| Creekside Girls Swimming | Team Standings | Runner-Up | 221.0 |
| Sydney Hardy | 200-Yard Individual Medley | 1:58.81 (1st) | – |
| Jackson Irwin | 500-Yard Freestyle | 4:19.51 (1st) | – |
State Swimming Questions
How many consecutive state titles has Riverview won?
Riverview has won six consecutive FHSAA Class 4A state championships, according to Your Observer.
What was Jackson Irwin’s winning time in the 500-yard freestyle?
Irwin finished the boys 500-yard freestyle in 4:19.51, which was over five seconds faster than the second-place finisher, Your Observer reported.
Who holds the state record in the 200-yard individual medley?
Melanie Margalis of Clearwater holds the state record in the 200-yard individual medley, a mark set in 2009.
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