More than Sixty Five World and Regional Records Set at US Championships

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The inaugural US Open National Swimming Championships concluded on a high note, setting the stage for future competitions with an exceptional display of talent and determination. Held November 7-10, 2024, in Orlando, FL at the Rosen Aquatic Center, this groundbreaking event brought together over 100 swimmers representing the USA and seven other countries, all competing with the aim of pushing boundaries, changing perceptions and breaking records. Swimmers competed in one of three classes: Intellectual Impairment (II1), Down Syndrome or Additional Significant Impairment (II2) or Autism (II3).

The championships were a resounding success, with more than sixty world and regional 25m pool records shattered over the course of the event. This remarkable achievement highlights not only the prowess of the athletes but also the growing inclusivity and recognition of swimmers with Autism, Down syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities in high level sports. The event was result of a collaboration between two leading high performance sport organizations in the US: Athletes Without Limits (AWL) and USA Down Syndrome Swimming (USADSS).

The non-profits champion inclusion and provide opportunities and supports necessary for athletes to maximize their potential. “We couldn’t be more proud of the swimmers from across the US and the globe who competed at such a high level. And we
are proud of the partnership between USADSS and Athletes Without Limits that made this championship possible,” said Barry Holman, President of Athletes Without Limits.

The USADSS AWL Championships is committed to creating a platform that champions inclusivity and excellence. By providing athletes with opportunities to compete against their peers at a national and international level, the event empowers swimmers with intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential. “We want to show the world what we see every day – that these are highly competitive swimmers who happen to have a disability. They are swimmers who train hard everyday to be their best and deserve the respect, resources and recognition other high performance athletes get,” said Judy Jurries, President of USA Down Syndrome Swimming.

Pedro Vivas, Colombia’s Coach found that, “Beyond the records broken, what stood out most was the chance to push the limits of what’s possible in a new discipline, which, while novel for many, has proven to be a window for growth and achievement for everyone involved. The enthusiasm was palpable throughout. Colombia’s swimmers, excited by the opportunity to compete internationally and face athletes from other countries, embraced this experience as an invaluable challenge.”

Swimmers hailed from around the globe, including Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Australia, Portugal, Japan, Kazakhstan and Puerto Rico, bringing a truly international flair to the US National Championships. The event fostered a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, as participants and spectators celebrated each swimmer’s achievements gained through fierce competition. Sanctioned by two international federations (Virtus and DSISO), the swimmer’s achievements in the Rosen 25 meter pool will appear in each federation’s official records. Vincente Pereira (Portugal) topped the record tables with 7 new world marks in the II2 class. USA’s Piper Sadowski (II1) earned 6 records, USA’s Melanie Huang (II3) earned 5 and USA’s Joey Jurries (II2) earned 2.

Full meet results can be found here.