Chatham Swimmer Madeline Crawford Wins 4th Straight County Title

Exceptional student-athlete leads Chatham girls' swim team to 17th consecutive Morris County Championship

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Madeline Crawford, a senior swimmer at Chatham High School, has capped off an exceptional four-year run at the Morris County Championships. Crawford won the 200-meter freestyle for the fourth straight year and also took first in the 100-meter freestyle, while swimming legs on Chatham's winning 200 medley relay and 400 free relay. Over her high school career, Crawford has won eight individual county titles, cementing her status as one of the top swimmers in the state.

Why it matters

Chatham's girls' swim team has built an impressive dynasty, winning 17 consecutive Morris County Championships. Crawford's continued excellence has been a key factor in the team's sustained success, as she has consistently delivered dominant individual performances and provided leadership for her teammates.

The details

In her four years at Chatham, Crawford has won eight individual county titles - four in the 200-meter freestyle, three in the 400 free, and one in the 100 freestyle. This season, she has mixed up her events, adding the 50 and 100 freestyle to her repertoire, showcasing her versatility as a swimmer. Crawford's club team training of 20 hours per week has helped her become one of the top swimmers in New Jersey, currently ranked 10th in the state.

  • Last Saturday, Crawford competed at the Morris County Championships at Morristown High School.
  • Crawford has won the 200-meter freestyle for the past four consecutive years.

The players

Madeline Crawford

A senior swimmer at Chatham High School who is one of the top swimmers in the state, ranked 10th according to swimcloud. She has won eight individual county titles over her four-year high school career.

Laura Hartnett

The head coach of the Chatham girls' swim team, which has won 32 consecutive meets and is the No. 1-ranked team in the state.

Chatham High School

The high school that Madeline Crawford attends, known for its dominant girls' swim team that has won 17 consecutive Morris County Championships.

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What they’re saying

“It's always a fun meet. There is pressure because of our streak that's been going on for so long, and I try to do my part to keep it alive. Club is a lot more about the individual. That's what makes high school swimming so special. It's not just me, everyone has a role to play that's really important.”

— Madeline Crawford

“Despite being one of the top swimmers in the state and an exceptional student, she never seeks the spotlight. She's always smiling, always ready to race, and always willing to do whatever helps the team. This season, she stepped up as a captain, leading team cheers and delivering pep talks that energized the girls and set the tone for every meet.”

— Laura Hartnett, Chatham Coach

What’s next

Crawford is within reach of several Chatham High School records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 200 freestyle, and she could potentially break those marks at the upcoming state tournament.

The takeaway

Madeline Crawford's sustained excellence and leadership have been instrumental in Chatham's girls' swim team maintaining its dynasty as the top program in Morris County. Her commitment to the team and her continued growth as a swimmer serve as an inspiration for her teammates and the broader Chatham community.