Choate Varsity Boys’ Swim wins the Founders League Championship.
By Kaz Kousaka ’27
Choate’s Varsity Boys’ Swim Team has ended their season with a bang, winning their third consecutive title at the Founders League Swimming Championships (Founders) for the first time in the School’s history. The team’s achievement highlights their skills in the pool, strong bond, and tireless commitment to success.
Along with securing the Founders title, Choate also took home four new records, including three individual and one relay award. Team member Ryan Liu ’26 reflected on the exciting three-day competition. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and enjoyment to be successful in the pool. “I will say just work constantly. Do not give up in the middle, and just enjoy the sport. Enjoy the time you spend in the water,” Liu said. His love for swimming has only grown stronger over the years, fueled by the unwavering support of his teammates and coaches. “The team is almost like a family every time you step on the block. You feel hype because everyone is cheering for you,” Liu added, underscoring the core support that drives the team to success. His dedication was rewarded when he broke Choate’s record in the 100-meter Butterfly event. Liu has high hopes for the future, with his eye on the 400-meter Freestyle and 200-meter Individual Medley records next.
For Daneel Polakoff ’25, representing Choate at Founders was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Despite facing alarming setbacks such as a shoulder injury a week before the competition, Polakoff leaned on his teammates and his determination to keep going. “Choate is definitely the loudest and most hyped team at Founders, and you can definitely just feel that,” Polakoff said, highlighting the team’s vibrant spirit. “[You learned to] trust your coach, keep swimming, and stay motivated, because the results will eventually come if you stick with the training,” Polakoff said, reflecting on his journey to success. Polakoff’s perseverance paid off when he broke Choate’s 100-meter Breaststroke record.
Michael Xu ’25, another standout swimmer, noted the significance of representing Choate at Founders. The team’s strong spirit and promising future make him proud, motivating him to push his limits in pursuit of excellence. “I always remind myself that there’s a goal I have to achieve and that there’s no taking shortcuts,” Xu shared. His dedication to improvement through hours of practice was reflected in his achievement of breaking the Founders League record for the 100-meter Freestyle.
Boys’ Swim ended the tournament on a high note with a combined effort by Liu, Polakoff, Xu, and Henry Ding ’24, who together broke the Founders and Choate record for the Boys’ 200-meter Medley Relay.
Despite the pressure, the team’s relentless support and trust for each other proved to triumph as they displayed their shared celebration of victory. After winning the championships, everyone, including the coaches, jumped into the pool and sang the School Song. “It was a really rewarding moment,” Liu said.
From overcoming injuries to maintaining motivation during grueling training sessions, their resilience and determination delivered deserving results. Looking ahead, the Boys’ Swim team remains focused on setting higher goals and pushing their boundaries. Whether breaking records or securing victories, their steadfast commitment to excellence ensures that Choate’s swim team will continue to make waves in the competitive swimming arena.
