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Johansson, Sanchez set for state as swim season continues

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 22:52 GMT by Wyoming News
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Johansson, Sánchez Set for State as Swim Season Races On

The 2024 Wyoming high‑school swim season is heating up as Rawlins residents and supporters alike turn their attention to two standout athletes from Rawlins High School—Elias Johansson and Nina Sánchez. According to a feature published by the Rawlins Times and distributed by the Wyoming News network, the two are poised to lead their school into the upcoming state championships after a series of impressive performances at recent meets. The article—published on June 4, 2024—offers a detailed look at the swimmers’ trajectories, the key races that brought them to the spotlight, and the broader context of Wyoming’s competitive swimming scene.

A Quick Look at the Swimmers

Elias Johansson is a senior from Rawlins who has consistently broken state records in the 200‑meter freestyle and 400‑meter individual medley. He’s known for his powerful finishes, often gaining the final few centimeters needed to secure a podium finish. “The way he pushes through the wall is electric,” coach Tommy Jensen of the Rawlins swim club said, citing Johansson’s “late‑game sprint” as his signature move.

Nina Sánchez, also a senior, has dominated the breaststroke events. A two‑time state champion in the 100‑meter breaststroke, Sánchez is looking to add a new record to her résumé. Coach Jensen noted that Sánchez’s “technique in the glide phase” gives her an edge over competitors, especially in longer distances.

Both athletes are under the tutelage of Coach Jensen, who has steered the Rawlins swim team to a state runner‑up finish last year. The article quoted him on how his team’s rigorous training schedule and mental‑conditioning drills have prepared the seniors for high‑stakes competition.

Key Meets and Milestones

The article recounts a series of pivotal meets that set the stage for the state championships:

The article links to the official results posted by the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA), giving readers immediate access to time sheets and heat sheets. For instance, the link to the WHSAA “Official Meet Results” page (https://whsaa.wyo.edu/2024-results) allows verification of Johansson’s 1:47.98 time, a new state‑level benchmark for the 400‑IM.

Sánchez’s performance at the Pinedale Relay Challenge is also referenced with a link to the Rawlins High School athletics page (https://rawlinshigh.edu/athletics/swim/relay-2024), where the official relay split and team photos are archived.

The Road to State Championships

The article highlights that both swimmers are slated to compete in the Wyoming State Swimming Championships, scheduled for July 10‑12 at the Jackson School of the Arts in Cheyenne. This venue, noted for its state‑of‑the‑art 25‑meter pool, will host a total of 23 events, ranging from freestyle sprints to distance freestyle and all four strokes.

Coach Jensen anticipates a highly competitive field, citing the recent performances of other schools such as Laramie High School and Casper High School. He says, “We’ve seen the depth of talent across the state, and it’s going to be a battle to the finish.” He also stresses the importance of mental preparedness: “We’ve been drilling visualization techniques for weeks to help them handle the pressure at state.”

In addition to the main events, the state meet will feature a co‑educational relay meet on the final day, giving seniors like Johansson and Sánchez a chance to showcase their teamwork. “It’s about more than individual glory,” Jensen added; “we’re a unit, and the relay will be a testament to our collective effort.”

The Significance for Wyoming High‑School Swimming

The article places Johansson and Sánchez’s achievements in the broader context of Wyoming’s swimming landscape. While Wyoming is not traditionally a swimming powerhouse compared to states such as California or Texas, its high‑school programs have been steadily improving, with more athletes reaching national rankings.

According to the Wyoming News’s coverage of the WHSAA’s latest meeting, Rawlins High’s swim team now holds the highest cumulative points among the top 10 schools in the state. The Wyoming News editorial board cites the school’s investment in coaching hires and facility upgrades as key factors. “The Rawlins program is a bright spot in the state’s athletics scene,” the editorial noted.

Community and Alumni Support

The article also touches on the community’s enthusiastic support for the seniors. A local coffee shop, Ridgeway Café, has been sponsoring a “Swim Fund” to help cover travel and equipment expenses. The café’s owner, Lydia Hart, is quoted as saying, “It’s an honor to support our future athletes. They represent Rawlins with pride.”

Furthermore, alumni swimmers—such as former state champion Megan Turner—have joined the coaching staff for a series of workshops. Turner’s experience competing at the collegiate level provides the seniors with insights into the next steps beyond high school. “We’re looking at national collegiate programs,” Turner told the article. “It’s a big leap, but the foundation here is solid.”

Looking Forward

As the state championships draw near, the article urges fans to keep an eye on the two athletes’ progress and the evolving story of Wyoming’s swimming talent. A brief preview of the state meet schedule is included, indicating that the 400‑meter freestyle and 200‑meter butterfly will likely be decisive for the overall team standings.

In closing, the Rawlins Times editorial team noted that whether or not Johansson and Sánchez break state records, their dedication and performance already signal a bright future for the Rawlins swim program. The community’s continued support and the athletes’ relentless work ethic promise that Wyoming’s high‑school swimming scene will continue to grow in both competitiveness and visibility.