Clare Herfel and Joey Eaddy Claim Junior Nationals 5k Titles

Young swimmers shine at 2026 Open Water National and Junior National Championships in Sarasota, Florida

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the fluid motion and raw power of open water swimmers racing through the waves, their bodies and movements dissolving into dynamic, unrecognizable forms.The explosive energy and raw athleticism of young open water swimmers on full display at the 2026 Junior National Championships.Sarasota Today

The 2026 Open Water National and Junior National Championships in Sarasota, Florida showcased the talent of young swimmers, with Clare Herfel and Joey Eaddy emerging as the Junior National 5k champions. Herfel, from the Northern KY Clippers, dominated the girls' race, while Eaddy, from Revolution Aquatics Club, secured the top spot in the boys' competition. The championships also highlighted the potential of younger swimmers, such as Grace Gannon and Ansley Bess, who earned spots at the upcoming Junior Open Water Championships.

Why it matters

The performances of Herfel and Eaddy, as well as the promising showings of other young swimmers, demonstrate the depth of talent in the sport of open water swimming. These championships serve as a platform for up-and-coming athletes to showcase their skills and ambition, paving the way for the future of the sport.

The details

Herfel won the girls' 5k race with a time of 1:04:15, outpacing her competitors by 10 seconds. This marked a significant improvement from her 8th-place finish the previous year. In the boys' race, Eaddy secured the top spot with a time of 58:32, maintaining his position among the top three swimmers from the previous year's competition.

  • The 2026 Open Water National and Junior National Championships were held in Sarasota, Florida.
  • The championships took place on April 10, 2026.

The players

Clare Herfel

A swimmer from the Northern KY Clippers who won the girls' Junior National 5k title.

Joey Eaddy

A swimmer from the Revolution Aquatics Club who won the boys' Junior National 5k title.

Grace Gannon

A 14-year-old swimmer from Fisher's Area who finished 4th in the girls' race and earned the first spot at the 2026 Junior Open Water Championships.

Ansley Bess

A swimmer who finished 8th in the girls' race and will be eligible for the 2nd spot in the 5k at the Junior Championships.

Sawyer Hansen

The younger brother of Brinkleigh Hansen, who secured the second spot in the boys' race.

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What’s next

The top finishers in the Junior National 5k races will be eligible to compete at the upcoming Junior Open Water Championships.

The takeaway

The impressive performances of young swimmers like Herfel, Eaddy, Gannon, and Bess at the 2026 Open Water National and Junior National Championships showcase the depth of talent and potential in the sport of open water swimming. These championships serve as a platform for up-and-coming athletes to showcase their skills and ambition, paving the way for the future of the sport.