The 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships was a remarkable showcase for USA Swimming’s rising stars, particularly the American women, dominating several events. Over four days, U.S. swimmers amassed an impressive 44 medals, including 21 golds, 11 Junior Pan Pacific Championship records, and one National Age Group record.

The Americans captured eight medals on the second night and set two new Junior Pan Pacific Championship records. Rylee Erisman made headlines by becoming the first woman to swim under 54 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle at the event, earning a gold medal. The women’s 4x200m freestyle relay also shattered the previous Junior Pan Pacific record, securing victory by nearly 10 seconds.

The American women consistently outperformed their competition, finishing 1-2 in each individual event and breaking three championship records on the third day alone. Notable performances included Kennedi Dobson and Madi Mintenko claiming gold and silver in the 400m freestyle and Audrey Derivaux setting a new championship record in the 100m butterfly. Leah Shackley also set a new meet record in the 200m backstroke, securing gold, and teamed up with Erisman, Erika Pelaez, and Mintenko to break another meet record in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Further highlighting the depth of talent on the American squad, the men’s team added their own standout performances. Luka Mijatovic stood out with his exceptional swim in the 400m freestyle, where he won gold and broke a 22-year-old National Age Group record with a time of 3:49.24. His performance underscored the depth of talent within the men’s squad, leading the team to secure medals across multiple events. Aiden Hammer added to this success by clinching bronze in the same event. Additionally, Campbell McKean excelled in the 100m breaststroke, earning a silver medal, while Rowan Cox secured silver in the 100m butterfly.

In the relays, the men’s 4x200m freestyle team delivered a gold medal performance, with Mijatovic teaming up with Norvin Clontz, Gregg Enoch, and Jason Zhao to secure victory. Their success didn’t stop there; the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team, which included Quin Seider, August Vetzch, Jason Zhao, and Campbell McKean, earned a silver medal, further showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.

To finish the competition in Canberra, the women’s and men’s 4x100m medley relays claimed gold and set Junior Pan Pacific Championship records. The event concluded with USA Swimming topping the medal table and gaining significant momentum as they look ahead to future international competitions.