Vernon Hills' Yury Plaksin becomes Illinois' fastest high school swimmer

Harvard commit captures school's first-ever state titles in 50- and 100-yard freestyle events

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Vernon Hills junior Yury Plaksin, a Harvard commit who emigrated from Belarus, has become the fastest high school swimmer in Illinois. Plaksin recently captured the school's first-ever state titles in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events, and now holds nine state medals. His performance helped lead the Vernon Hills Cougars to a 12th-place team finish.

Why it matters

Plaksin's success is a point of pride for the Vernon Hills community, as he has put the school's swim program on the map with its first-ever state championships. His story also highlights the impact that immigrant athletes can have on high school sports in the U.S.

The details

Plaksin, who is committed to swim for Harvard, dominated the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events at the recent state championships. His times in those races were the fastest in Illinois this high school season. Plaksin's performance helped the Vernon Hills Cougars finish 12th as a team, the highest finish in program history.

  • Plaksin captured the school's first-ever state titles in March 2026.

The players

Yury Plaksin

A junior at Vernon Hills High School who is the fastest high school swimmer in Illinois, having won state titles in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events.

Vernon Hills Cougars

The high school swim team from Vernon Hills, Illinois that finished 12th at the state championships, the highest finish in program history.

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The takeaway

Plaksin's success has put Vernon Hills' swim program on the map and showcases the impact that immigrant athletes can have on high school sports in the U.S. His story is an inspiring example of hard work and dedication paying off at the highest levels of competition.