ROCHELLE — Five talented swimmers from Rochelle have achieved an impressive feat by qualifying for the district and state championships through the DeKalb County Swim Team. 

Sydney Burke (District and State 2024 Qualifier for 50 yard fly 34:17, 100 yard freestyle 1:06.25, 200 yard freestyle 2:28.27, and 500 yard freestyle 6:50.60), Taylor Burke (District and State 2024 Qualifier for 50 yard breast 47:44 and 200 yard IM 3:26.89), Clara Lofthouse (District and State 2024 Qualifier for 500 yard freestyle 6:52), Josie Slattengren (District and State 2024 Qualifier for 500 yard freestyle 6:12 and 1650 yard 21:52) and Grace Williams (District 2024 Qualifier for 200 yard freestyle 2:58.06) have demonstrated their exceptional skill and dedication in the pool. 

These young, girl athletes (ages 10-13 years) have worked tirelessly to earn their spots in the upcoming championships. Their commitment to training and their passion for swimming have propelled them to this remarkable achievement. 

The love of water and competition sparked through the Rochelle Community Park District, Rochelle Rays Swim Team years ago. It was through this organization that the girls were able to discover their true potential in the water. The hunger for competition led them to continue their love for swimming through all four seasons at the DeKalb County Swim Team. 

The Rochelle community is proud to have such talented swimmers representing their town. Sydney, with her remarkable technique and determination, has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the swimming world. Taylor’s relentless pursuit of excellence has paid off, securing her a spot in the championships. 

Clara’s exceptional speed and agility have earned her a well-deserved place among the qualifiers. Josie’s impressive endurance and strong work ethic have led her to this momentous accomplishment. And Grace’s smooth, graceful strokes and unwavering focus have set her apart from the competition. 

The district (March 1-3) and state (March 8-10) championships will be a true test of these swimmers’ abilities and will provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talent on a larger stage. The entire Rochelle community will be cheering them on as they represent their town with pride. 

We wish Sydney, Taylor, Clara, Josie, and Grace the best of luck in the upcoming weeks. May they continue to make their community proud and achieve great success in their swimming careers