ASL hosted 5 schools across the U.K. and Europe for a swim meet Feb. 1. Both Middle School and High School students competed in the meet.
By Sophia Bateman, The American School in London
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February 7, 2025
Sophia Bateman
Lukas Doepke (’27) competes in the 50-meter freestyle Feb. 1. Doepke said he hopes to improve his style by the end of the season. “For my technique, I really want to get better at turns,” Doepke said. “I’d also like to get better at my freestyle because it’s, you know, the coolest one.”
Coach Stylianos Boufinas watches swimmers in the pool. Boufinas is one of the three swimming coaches. (Laila Taraporevala)Rowan Hamilton (’26) swims in the 50-meter backstroke. Hamilton placed third in this heat and competed in a total of five races. (Sophia Bateman)Science Teachers Deb Luheshi and Marisa Wilson watch the meet from the spectator area. Swimmer Harry Hobbs (’28), who participated in three heats, said the meet had a lively atmosphere. “The energy of the meet was definitely very exciting because you have schools from all over the world,” Hobbs said. “It was almost nostalgic because I met people from meets that I had done in previous years.” (Sophia Bateman)Director of Athletics John Farmer watches the pool. Farmer moderated the swim meet, announcing each new race through the speakers and helping direct swimmers to their correct places. (Sophia Bateman)Harry Hobbs (’28) swims in the 100-meter backstroke. Hobbs said his personal goals for the season include “getting under 30 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle” and securing a spot on the ISST team. (Sophia Bateman)Feodor Ramin (’27) and his mom read the meet schedule outside of the pool entrance. Swimmer Lukas Doepke (’28) said although competing can be stressful, personal improvement makes it worthwhile. “Racing, yourself, often is a lot of pressure, and it might not be the most fun part, but it still is really nice seeing your times go down after you finish a race,” Doepke said. (Sophia Bateman)Dylan Saunders (’26) and Eleni Gousgouni (’27) cheer for their teammates. Member of the varsity swim team Rowan Hamilton (’26) said the meet was a “great experience” characterized by the team’s bond. “Whenever anyone swims butterfly or breaststroke, we all go to the end of the lane and cheer them on,” Hamilton said. “Everyone comes together and supports each other.” (Sophia Bateman)
This story was originally published on The Standard on February 5, 2025.
