As one of the nation’s top distance swimmers, Max Carlsen knows a thing or two about determination and consistency.
That makes him a perfect fit for the dynastic Palo Verde swimming and diving program, which won its 10th straight state championship this year. Carlsen, a 6-foot-3 junior, dominated in the distance events, winning the 500 freestyle by eight seconds at 4:21.37 to establish a new state record. He also won the 200 freestyle state title and was part of a relay-race state title team.
Carlsen is an Olympic Trials qualifier, and in December he took first place in the mile at the prestigious Winter Junior Nationals East finals.
He has committed to swim for NC State, but before heading off to college he’ll have one more year at Palo, which means he’ll be back to try to extend the Panthers’ state streak to 11 in a row.
Carlsen is looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s definitely a cool thing,” Carlsen said. “We’re just trying to keep that streak alive. It’s nice to be a part of the Palo streak.”
FINALISTS:
Brady Dallimore Palo Verde baseball: Batted .565 with five home runs, 32 RBIs and 35 runs scored.
Nathan Nations Sierra Vista cross country: Won the Desert League and Class 4A state championships.
Andre Porter Liberty football, basketball and track: Committed to UNLV football after nabbing first-team all-state spots in both football and basketball.
Manuel Saldate SLAM Nevada wrestling: Set a state record with 203 takedowns en route to winning a third straight state championship.
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