Although the Paris Olympics have concluded, the energy in the swimming world remains electric. In November 2024, the sport’s elite gathered at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, hosted at Singapore’s renowned OCBC Aquatic Centre. The event featured a thrilling short-course format in a modified 25-meter pool, offering a unique twist to the traditional competition setting.
This prestigious event showcased the world’s top swimmers, creating an unforgettable experience for local athletes and fans. The American Club’s very own Kai Alldritt, from our Senior Squad, rose to the occasion, qualifying for the 100m and 200m Freestyle events. Despite juggling school commitments and missing his preferred events, Kai embraced the challenge of competing internationally for the first time – a commendable achievement! Meanwhile, another talented swimmer, Kenzie Kaufenberg, met the qualifying times but was ineligible to compete due to age restrictions.
Despite being unable to compete, the World Cup offered an invaluable opportunity for young Kenzie and her peers to cheer on their idols and soak in the atmosphere of world-class swimming. Armed with posters of their favorite athletes, they were thrilled to see Olympians like Katie Douglass, Regan Smith, Katie Grimes, Duncan Scott, and France’s Léon Marchand up close.
Léon Marchand, the breakout star of the meet, dazzled audiences with his commanding performances, just months after his four-gold-medal triumph at the Paris Olympics. Under the guidance of legendary coach Bob Bowman, who famously led Michael Phelps to Olympic glory, Léon has firmly established himself as one of swimming’s brightest talents.
In a heartwarming moment during the competition, Léon’s brother, Eliott Marchand, spotted The American Club swimmers cheering enthusiastically in the crowd of 3,000 spectators. Noticing Kenzie’s sign, Eliott pointed it out to Léon, who acknowledged the young fans with a wave. This small act of kindness resonated deeply with the team, who were inspired by these interactions.
Over the following days, as Léon and the other world-class athletes’ broke world records and rewrote the history books, it was heartening to see despite their busy schedules and elite status, they took the time to acknowledge fans with smiles and waves from the pool deck – much to the delight of The American Club swimmers cheering them on.
The most memorable highlight came on the final night when Léon, awarded a special medal for his exceptional performances, surprised everyone by gifting it to Kenzie in the stands. Overwhelmed with emotion, Kenzie held the medal, a symbol of Léon’s generosity and encouragement for future champions. Scott Fowler, a Club Member and family friend, described the moment as “one of the greatest displays of sportsmanship I’ve ever witnessed.” Léon’s humility and grace remind us why we admire these athletes – not only for their achievements but also for their ability to inspire.
In addition to the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, the Club’s Masters Swim Team proudly competed in the 2025 World Aquatics Masters Championships at the OCBC Aquatics Centre in Singapore. This dedicated and skilled group, trained under the expert guidance of Head Swim Coach Greg Fasala, showcased their talents in both individual and relay events.
It was truly inspiring to witness our homegrown Masters swimmers represent the Club – many of them competing for the first time, and on an international stage alongside world-class athletes. Their participation in mixed relays and individual events underscored the Club’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting swimming excellence at all levels.
The Championships provided an incredible experience for everyone involved, strengthening the spirit of competition and camaraderie within our vibrant swimming community.
