FEDERAL WAY — Dwight Thompson fulfilled his goal of a top five finish at last weekend’s state swimming championships.
The Shorecrest senior placed fifth in the 500-yard freestyle in a time of 4:47.26 during the Class 3A/2A finals Feb. 22 at King County Aquatic Center.
“I’m thrilled,” said Thompson, who finished 10th in the event at last year’s 4A state meet. “I would have never thought that I would be … going to state when I started out swimming my freshman year, so I’m really thrilled.
“I swam some really good times, had some really consistent performances and I feel really happy about it.”
Thompson’s preliminary time of 4:45.91 earned him a No. 5 seed, which he protected by holding off Liberty freshman Kyle Rafa by less than a second. The two occupied the first and second lanes and remained close the entire race.
“We had a battle,” Thompson said.
Skyline’s Will Antisdale won the 500 freestyle in an all-American time of 4:31.63 — the seventh fastest mark in meet history. The next three finishers received all-American consideration.
“I was trying to make all-American consideration,” Thompson said. “I didn’t make that … but I kept my place. I had a solid time. Overall, I think I had a really good meet.
“I felt good. Even to go to state is an honor.”
Thompson’s 14 points gave Shorecrest a 28th place team finish. He also qualified in the 200 freestyle but didn’t advance past the preliminary heats.
Mount Rainier captured the team championship with 336 points, followed by reigning champion Mercer Island (278), Newport (193), O’Dea (164) and Eastside Catholic (136).
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