Carmel’s Alex and Aaron Shackell are among the competitors at the World Aquatics World Swimming Cup, which takes place this weekend at the Carmel High School Aquatic Center. (Richie Hall)
By RICHIE HALL
sports@readthereporter.com
CARMEL – When the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials came to Indianapolis last summer, Carmel became known as “SwimCity, USA.”
Carmel has become SwimCity once again this weekend, as the Carmel High School Aquatic Center is hosting the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, an international event that begins on Friday and welcomes high-level swimmers from across the globe.
The Greyhounds will be represented as well, with several Carmel swimmers on the roster to participate. That includes Aaron and Alex Shackell, who spoke to the press at an event that took place Wednesday at the Hotel Carmichael.
Both Aaron and Alex Shackell competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Alex Shackell winning a gold medal as part of the women’s 4×100 medley relay team.
“Carmel’s done so much for not only Aaron and I, but so many other athletes, like Jake Mitchell, Drew Kibler,” said Alex Shackell. “There’s a big legacy at Carmel. The city itself is named Swim City, so it just makes sense to have an international meet here. I’m really excited to see what they’ve put up, because there’s a lot of potential.”
The Greyhounds opened their new aquatic center last year.
“I’m sure the rest of the world’s going to love it,” said Aaron Shackell. “And I’ve actually never swam in a meet in this pool, so I’m excited to have my first experience.” Aaron graduated from Carmel High School in 2023, before the new pool was finished.
Carmel Swim Club coach Chris Plumb, who was one of the assistant coaches at the Paris Olympics, is happy that the new facilities are being recognized by World Aquatics.
“It’s a dream come true to have all these world-class swimmers coming to our high school to compete,” said Plumb.
Competition takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with heats at 10 a.m. and championship finals at 6 p.m. Tickets are still available at this link.
