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Florida swimming team sets 6 national records in a single day

Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles School has been the host of a powerhouse swimming program for years. Still, what the Dolphins accomplished at the Florida High School Swimming and Diving Championships might prove to be a meet for the ages.

The Bolles swimming program had a record setting day at the Florida state championships — BeRecruited
The Bolles swimming program had a record setting day at the Florida state championships — BeRecruited

As reported by the Florida Times-Union, in a single day in Orlando, Bolles set six national records, including a remarkable sweep of all-time best marks in three different relays. In the process the Bolles boys team won its 25th consecutive Class 1A state title while the Bolles girls won a 22nd straight Class 1A crown.

All six of the new national records were turned in by members of the Bolles boys team, with the 400-yard freestyle relay, 200-yard freestyle relay and 200-yard medley all falling on Saturday.

One swimmer was particularly dominant, with senior and California-bound star Ryan Murphy playing a role in all three record-setting relay squads, setting a new mark in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 45.34 seconds and also setting an independent school record in the 50-yard freestyle during his leg of the school's record setting 200-free relay.

Murphy was joined in all the relays by both Santo Condorelli and Joseph Schooling, with Schooling also setting a national mark in the 100-yard butterfly by finishing in 46.5 seconds.

While Bolles undoubtedly has a significant advantage in raw talent, it also may have an edge when it comes to coaching. Former West Virginia University coach Sergio Lopez now leads Bolles, providing a college-level work ethic and expertise for an eager group of talented teenagers.

The record-setting Bolles boys swimming team — Bolles.org
The record-setting Bolles boys swimming team — Bolles.org

That edge continues to pay dividends, with the school's legacy only likely to increase in the years ahead as the likes of Murphy, Schooling -- already an Olympian representing Singapore -- and Florida recruit Emiro Goossen entering the pool of potential future Olympic stars.

Considering the fact that the school sent a total of 20 swimmers or coaches with direct ties to the school to the London Games, it might be more of a surprise if that wasn't the case. Bolles swimmers have been a part of each Olympic Summer Games since 1972, and that isn't likely to change anytime soon.

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