Maximus Williamson’s latest record-breaking performance has earned him the title of Male High School Swimmer of the Year. Heading into his junior-year state meet, Williamson had thoroughly researched the 13-year-old national high school record he aimed to surpass. When David Nolan set the mark at 1:41.39 in 2011, it was hailed as one of the greatest achievements by a pre-college swimmer, outpacing winning times at the NCAA Championships for several years and marking Nolan as the first man to break 1:40 in the event.
Williamson shattered that record in a remarkable display of skill, setting off a day of phenomenal achievements. Not only did he break Nolan’s record, but he also set a new high school record in the 100 freestyle, becoming the first to go under 42 seconds in a high school meet. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in leading Keller High School to two national relay records. Keller’s team, including two seniors, narrowly edged the national mark in the 400 free relay by a mere one hundredth of a second, making it one of Williamson’s most cherished moments in his swimming career.
With Keller High School securing its second consecutive state title and a national team championship, Williamson’s stellar individual performances earned him the prestigious National High School Male Swimmer of the Year accolade.
Williamson, already recognized as one of the top pre-college swimmers in the U.S., was fueled by a sense of pride and team spirit during the high school meet. Despite joining Keller as a sophomore, he formed a strong bond with his teammates, whom he considers like family.
“It’s always an honor because you’re swimming next to basically family,” Williamson shared. “I see them more than my real brothers because I’m always at the pool. If I’m not at the pool, I’m at school, and they’re still at school. So, we’re basically always together. And I think that’s what’s so special about high school swimming—having fun and hanging out with your people.”
