Apopka and Wekiva Swimmers Shine at State Championships

Apopka High School freshman Maya Szylkowski and Wekiva High School sophomore Mason Marco showcased their talents at the FHSAA Swimming State Championships on November 14 at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Center (FAST) in Ocala.

 

Szylkowski, competing in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke, advanced to the consolation finals in both events. She achieved a personal best of 56.98 seconds in the butterfly, securing second place in the consolation final and 10th overall. In the backstroke, she clocked 57.89 seconds, also placing second in the consolation final and 10th overall. Notably, her backstroke time was the eighth fastest among all competitors.

 

Marco represented Wekiva in the 100-yard breaststroke, finishing 22nd in the preliminary round with a time of 1:03.29. His journey to the state meet included a first-place finish in the district championship and a personal best of 1:02.89 at regionals, placing him in the top six and earning his spot at states.

 

The FAST facility in Ocala, hosting the state championships for the first time, provided a state-of-the-art venue for these athletes to compete at the highest level.

 

Both Szylkowski and Marco's performances highlight the dedication and talent present in Apopka and Wekiva's swimming programs, setting a promising foundation for future competitions.