Hayden Nelson is one of two captains for the Squalicum boys swim and dive team this season. The junior swimmer began competing in the sport five years ago.
Nelson’s mother, Heather Nelson, is a lifetime swimmer who participates in triathlons and swimming competitions. She also competed in “American Ninja Warrior” in 2022. Nelson’s father, Brandon Nelson, set a Guinness World Record for distance paddled in 24 hours. He covered 151.87 miles in his kayak on Lake Padden in 2013.
“They are always pushing me and super supportive,” Nelson said. “They were great athletes so I am trying to be like them. It is a big shoe to fill but they have been an inspiration and helped coach me through the whole thing.”
Nelson considers himself a competitive swimmer in the short-distance events. He typically competes in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard individual medley and the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events.
“It’s not easy,” Nelson said. “It’s hard and takes a lot of commitment. It is a lot of quick reps and not a lot of rest.”
Nelson has become one of the top swimmers in these events within the conference. Last season, Nelson led the 400-yard freestyle relay team to a third-place finish in the 2A state swim meet. He also placed fifth in the 200-yard medley relay and seventh in the 100-yard backstroke.
“It’s nerve-racking being at the top and people looking at you,” Nelson said. “Swimming is mentally hard. It is not an easy sport.”
This season, Nelson’s goals were to win districts and place in the top five at state.
At the district swim meet, he won the 100-yard backstroke and 200-yard medley relay while placing second in the 100-yard freestyle and 400-yard freestyle relay.
Nelson placed sixth at state in the 100-yard backstroke, seventh in the 400-yard freestyle relay, 10th in the 100-yard freestyle and 11th in the 200-yard medley relay.
Once Nelson completes his swim season, he will throw discus for Squalicum’s track and field team.
“I like being a multi-sport athlete,” Nelson said. “It has taught me about perseverance, focusing and working through hardships.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
