The swimming world was abuzz with excitement as Audrey Derivaux, the 2025 World Junior Champion, made her highly anticipated return to the pool at the Jersey Wahoos Thanksgiving Meet. And she didn't disappoint!
A star is born: On November 15-16, 2025, in Sewell, New Jersey, Derivaux showcased her incredible talent, posting some remarkable times in the SCY (25 yards) format. Her results can be found on Meet Mobile under 'JW 2025 THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION ABBC'.
After a brief appearance at an intrasquad meet in early October, this was Derivaux's first official competition of the 2025-26 season. And she made it count! In the 200-meter backstroke, she clocked an impressive 1:51.97, not only leading the nation this season in the girls' 15-16 age group but also leaving Schroeder Swim Team's Maggie Dickinson in her wake, over two seconds behind.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: Derivaux's personal best of 1:50.91, set in December last year, places her 9th all-time in the 15-16 age group. Yes, you read that right, 9th all-time!
A versatile talent: But her prowess wasn't limited to the backstroke. Derivaux also dominated in the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 1:54.95, securing the 2nd-best time in the nation this season for her age group. Her performances in the 100-meter fly (53.25) and 200-meter IM (1:58.85) further solidified her versatility, ranking 5th in both events. And let's not forget her 200-meter freestyle time of 1:47.09, which landed her in the top 10 as well.
Team spirit: The Jersey Wahoos had more to celebrate as another 16-year-old standout, Alex Goodman, also made waves at the meet. Goodman set four new personal bests, propelling him into the top 10 rankings in the boys' 15-16 age group across four events. His new best times include 48.32 in the 100-meter fly (9th this season), 1:47.84 in the 200-meter back (10th), and 1:49.28 in the 200-meter IM (also 10th).
Rising stars: The meet was a platform for younger talents to shine, too. Milly Birch, 14, from Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics, set lifetime bests in four freestyle events, including a remarkable 16:41.73 in the 1650-meter freestyle, ranking her 2nd this season in the girls' 13-14 age group. Alyce Lehman, 17, of the Jersey Wahoos, impressed with season-best times in the 100-meter (53.42) and 200-meter (1:59.42) butterfly events. And 13-year-old Madison Suchecki from the Suburban Seahawks set personal bests in multiple events, notably ranking 2nd this season in the 200-meter fly among her age group.
More Wahoos on the rise: Luke Bickett, also representing the Jersey Wahoos, set five personal bests, three of which placed him in the top 25 among 15-year-old boys this season. His times included a 1:52.45 in the 200-meter IM and a 2:05.39 in the 200-meter breaststroke.
This meet was a testament to the rising talent in the swimming world, with young athletes like Derivaux and Goodman leading the charge. But the question remains, who will be the next breakout star? And will they be able to challenge the records set by these swimming sensations?
Disclaimer: James Sutherland, the author of this article, is a former collegiate swimmer with a passion for sports journalism. His perspective adds a unique flavor to the coverage of swimming events.
