The 2026 CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships are underway, and the preliminary rounds have already set the stage for some exciting races. The meet is taking place at Clovis West High School in Fresno, California, from May 14-16, 2026, with swimming prelims on May 15 at 1:00 p.m. (PST) and finals on May 16 at 10:30 a.m. (PST).
One of the standout performers in the girls' events is Kelsey Zhang, a senior at Saratoga High School and a committed Cal swimmer. Zhang dominated the 200 IM and 100 butterfly events in the prelims, securing the top seed. Her times of 1:58.37 in the 200 IM and an unspecified time in the 100 butterfly showcase her exceptional talent and potential for future success.
The diving events also saw some impressive performances. Saint Mary's junior Lucius Haddad won the boys' event with a score of 556.60, narrowly ahead of Jasper Nemeth from Palisades, who scored 553.75. On the girls' side, Mater Dei senior Gianna Kenrick dominated with a score of 520.75, more than 30 points ahead of Hailey Tipton from Pioneer, who took second place.
The 200 medley relay saw Campolindo High School claim the top spot with a time of 1:43.40, just two tenths of a second ahead of Davis High School. Campolindo's team, consisting of Chloe Cooper, Elise Gratton, Emma Sloan, and Lucy Kao, demonstrated their strength and teamwork. Davis High School's team, led by Abby Cenizal, Irelyn Kennedy, Kiera Menna, and Josie Schneider, also performed well, finishing just behind Campolindo.
In the boys' 200 medley relay, Valley Christian High School emerged as the top team with a time of 1:29.47, the only team to break the 1:30 mark. Their relay team, featuring Garic Shao, Jack Cameron, Robert White III, and Yury Kuzmenko, showcased exceptional speed and coordination. Santa Margarita High School took second place with a time of 1:30.44.
The 200 freestyle events also witnessed some impressive performances. McKinley Scobie from Foothill High School set the top time in the girls' prelims with a time of 1:47.90, just a second off her lifetime best. Cameron Forbes from Marin Academy qualified second with a time of 1:48.30, also just over a tenth off her lifetime best. In the boys' event, Andrew Maksymowski from Northwood High School swam the top time of 1:35.29, narrowly missing his best time from the Southern Section Championships.
The meet continues with more events, including the 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle, and various individual events. The preliminary rounds have already set the stage for some thrilling finals, with the top swimmers and divers vying for championship titles. The CIF State Championships promise to be a showcase of talent and determination, with athletes pushing their limits and striving for excellence.
