With just three female swimmers competing at the 2024 Commonwealth Cup in Virginia last week the Glacier Swim Club finished respectfully among the larger clubs from around the nation, placing 14th in the combined men’s and women’s standings.
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Valerie Peimann, 16, senior Emma Fellman, 18, and sophomore Lily Francis, 15, all faced stacked racing fields in their events.
Among competitors one swimmer had vast experience, Thomas Heilman, 17, swam in the Olympics last summer and broke Michael Phelps’ national age group record. At the CC he set meet records in the 100 fly (45.25), 50 free (19.72) and 200 fly (1:40.48).
“The meet was an awesome experience where I got to compete against so many fast swimmers and even watch an Olympian race,” Peimann said. “I felt like it was really good competition for me and really pushed me to perform my best. My goals going into the meet were to improve my times and have a fun experience. I’m thrilled to say that I was able to do that and more. I achieved all best times and broke several individual club records. Over the last couple of months I’ve seen the importance of a support system, and nothing can compare to the way I feel supported by my family and by Glacier Swim Club. I can’t wait for what the rest of my the club season has to bring, and I’m looking forward to racing other swimmers in the state.”
Peimann placed in women’s 13-and-over finals races that included 10th in the 200 back with a personal best time of 2:05.46, 12th in the 100 back with a personal best time of 58.08 (third fastest in Alaska this season), 15th in the 200 free with a personal best time of 1:55.15 (fastest in Alaska this season) and 20th in the 100 free with a personal best time of 53.32 (fastest in Alaska this season).
Peimann also swam the 400 IM improving her best time to 4:36.59 and improving her 500 free time to 5:11.41.
Fellman placed third in the women’s 13-and-over 100-yard breaststroke in 1:03.42 (meet record is 1:02.47) with splits of 29.98 and 33.44, and although a second off her state record from last season (1:02.28) it is still the fastest 100 for Alaska high schoolers this season.
Fellman also finaled in the 200 breast taking sixth with 2:21.65, but off her best time of 2:18.65. She also just missed her best times in the 100 back (1:00.17), 100 free (54.19), 200 IM (2:07.59) and 400 IM (4:29.94)
Francis set personal best times in the women’s 13-and-over 50 free finals, placing 12th in 24.56 (second fastest in the state this season).
She also set a personal best time in the 200 free of 2:01.93, and just missed her personal best times in the 100 fly (59.48), 100 free (54.62), 200 fly (2:16.52), and 200 IM (2:16.82).
Francis wished to thank those behind her efforts.
“I would like to say thank you to Coach Scott, Coach Corinne and GSC with being really supportive with this fall season,” she said. “And that I am really proud of Valerie with her amazing performance at the Virginia meet.”
• Contact Klas Stolpe at klas.stolpe@juneauempire.com.
