The Swammy Awards celebrate the best in swimming, and this year's 10 & Under category is a testament to the rising stars in the sport. But who took home the top honors? Let's dive in and explore the incredible achievements of these young swimmers.
Annabelle Hayes: A Rising Star
Annabelle Hayes, a talented swimmer from Irvine Novaquatics, shines as the 2025 Swammy Award winner for the Top 10 & Under girl's swimmer. Her performance was exceptional, leading the nation in a remarkable 11 events. But here's where it gets interesting: Hayes recently turned 11, making her achievements at 10 years old even more impressive.
In the 2024-25 short course yards (SCY) season, Hayes finished strong, leading the country in three events. But it was her long course meters (LCM) season that truly left a mark. She achieved top-10 times in 18 events and claimed the top spot in 11 events, showcasing her versatility and talent across various strokes.
Hayes' dominance extended to the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter individual medley, where she recorded the second-fastest times in history, narrowly missing the National Age Group (NAG) Records. She also made significant strides in other events, climbing the rankings in the 50-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, and 50-meter butterfly.
A Record-Breaking Relay Performance
Hayes' impact wasn't limited to individual events. She was a crucial member of two NAG record relays in 2025 with Irvine Novaquatics. The team broke the 10 & Under SCY and LCM records in the 200-meter medley relay, with Hayes leading the way as the backstroker.
Boys' Category: Eaton Heng's Remarkable Rise
In the boys' category, Eaton Heng from Xtreme Swim Club stands out. Heng, now 11, holds the most top times in the country for 10 & Under boys, an impressive feat considering he only swam in two meets at the beginning of the season. Heng's rapid rise is even more astonishing as he had no recorded times in the USA Swimming database before this season, indicating his recent entry into sanctioned races.
Heng tied the boys' 50-meter freestyle NAG record, a remarkable achievement that is yet to be updated on the official page. He also holds top times in multiple events, including the 100-meter freestyle, 500-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter individual medley, and 200-meter individual medley.
Honorable Mentions: Future Stars in the Making
The 10 & Under category is brimming with talent, and several swimmers deserve recognition. Addie Farrier, a 9-year-old from the Clearwater Aquatic Team, leads the country's IMX and IMR ratings, showcasing her all-around skills. Erica Wang, from Lakeside Aquatic Club, has consistently ranked in the top 10 in various events for three seasons, demonstrating her sustained excellence.
On the boys' side, Luca Ferrera, last year's winner, continues to impress, earning an honorable mention. Gabriel Brown, a rising star, has led the country's overall IMX rankings for multiple seasons, proving his versatility. These young swimmers are not just breaking records but also setting new standards for their age group.
Controversy in Age Group Swimming
The 10 & Under category is not without its controversies. Some argue that the intense focus on young swimmers can lead to burnout and pressure. Is it fair to put such expectations on children at a young age? How can we balance the pursuit of excellence with the well-being of these young athletes? These questions spark important discussions in the swimming community.
Past Winners: A Legacy of Excellence
The Swammy Awards have a rich history, and past winners in the 10 & Under category include renowned swimmers like Regan Smith, Leah Hayes, and Lillie Nordmann. These young athletes have gone on to achieve greatness, setting the bar high for future generations.
The 2025 Swammy Awards for the 10 & Under category highlight the incredible talent and dedication of young swimmers. Annabelle Hayes and Eaton Heng's achievements are remarkable, but they also raise questions about the future of age group swimming. As we celebrate their success, let's also consider the impact of early specialization and the importance of nurturing these young talents. What do you think about the future of age group swimming? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
