In back-to-back achievements, sophomore swimmer Christopher Nelson was named a 2024–25 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American on Friday, December 12, and set two new Loomis Chaffee school records the following day. 

The Scholastic All-America honor recognizes high school athletes who demonstrate excellence in both the classroom and the pool. Only a small percentage of student-athletes nationwide are selected for the honor.  

Among sophomores, more than 9,880 swimmers were eligible for consideration, and just 241, or 2.4 percent, were selected. The award reflects the high standards required for success academically and athletically. 

USA Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield emphasized the significance of the honor in the organization’s announcement. 

“Each year, our Scholastic All-America honorees remind us of what excellence looks like both in and out of the pool,” Mr. Shinofield said. “These athletes continue to raise the bar, and their dedication shows the remarkable future of our sport.” 

Nelson followed this national recognition with a standout performance on Saturday, December 13, at Hedges Pool as the Pelicans hosted Phillips Exeter Academy. Nelson set new Loomis Chaffee school records in the 200-meter freestyle and the 400-meter freestyle and won both events.  

In the 200 free, Nelson posted a new mark of 1:53.85, breaking the previous school record of 1:55.84, held by Matthew Eng ’23. Nelson continued his record-setting day with a time of 4:05.63 in the 400 free, eclipsing Eng’s record of 4:09.