The Indian Hill School District celebrates Indian Hill High School junior and student-athlete Jason Zhao who won the 2023 Summer Junior National Championship 100m freestyle with a time of 49.39, becoming the fifth fastest 15-16 year-old in history! The national competition took place in Irvine, California, at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatic Center, from July 31 to August 4.
“Winning on the junior national level this year was a dream come true,” said Zhao. “I am incredibly grateful to my parents, my club coaches and teammates, my friends, and anyone else who has supported me. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and motivated to keep pushing myself to new heights in my swimming journey.”
In February,
Zhao made history as a sophomore during the Division II state swimming and diving meet at Canton’s C.T. Branin Natatorium, when he was on both state-winning relays for the Braves and broke the state record to earn an individual state champion title with a time of 4:24.01 in the 500-yard freestyle.
“Jason is an exceptionally talented young man!” said Indian Hill Aquabraves Coach Matt Harrison. “With this victory at the national level, he proved once again that he is among the most elite swimmers in the entire country! His future is bright, and we here at Indian Hill could not be more proud!”
“We are so proud of Jason for this wonderful accomplishment,” said Indian Hill Athletic Director Brian Phelps. “Jason continues to work tirelessly to elevate his game, and we are extremely excited to see his growth between his sophomore and junior year. There will be plenty more success coming his way, and we are the lucky ones to have the opportunity to be along this journey with him and his family.”
The Indian Hill Board of Education will celebrate Zhao during the Tuesday, September 19 regularly scheduled meeting. All members of the Brave Family are invited to attend.
Photo caption: Indian Hill High School junior and student-athlete Jason Zhao won the 2023 Summer Junior National Championship 100m freestyle with a time of 49.39.