The Long Island Aquatic Club (LIAC) girls 800-meter freestyle relay team has made a splash at the 2026 U.S. Junior National Championships, breaking the 15-16 National Age Group (NAG) record with an impressive 8:11.00 time. This achievement is a testament to the team's talent and dedication, as they showcased their swimming prowess in Irvine, California. The relay team, consisting of Vivienne Zangaro, Sarah Lucca, Una Diaz, and Alex Siegel, all aged 16, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and individual skill. The race was a thrilling display of speed and strategy, with each swimmer contributing to the team's success. The LIAC girls' performance is particularly noteworthy given the team's history. They already hold the Summer Juniors meet record, having swum a 8:09.06 in 2023, and now they've added another impressive feat to their resume. The team's success is a result of their rigorous training and the guidance of their coaches. The relay's breakdown showcases the team's versatility and adaptability. Vivienne Zangaro led off with a time of 2:01.96, which, while slightly off her lifetime best, still contributed significantly to the team's overall performance. Sarah Lucca followed with a 2:04.23, and Una Diaz's time was also unavailable, indicating a strong performance from all swimmers. However, it was Alex Siegel's anchor leg that truly stood out. Siegel, with a 2:01.01, not only anchored the team to victory but also set a new standard for herself, surpassing her previous flat start best time of 2:01.63. The competition was fierce, with the Carmel team, led by Alex Shackell, representing the US at the 2024 Paris Olympics, not far behind. Shackell's 1:59.49 split was the fastest by either relay, showcasing the high level of talent in the sport. The LIAC girls' achievement is a significant milestone in their swimming careers and a testament to their hard work. It's a reminder that with dedication and teamwork, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these young swimmers progress and contribute to the future of swimming.
