Local Sensation to Global Stage: Alex Shackell’s Remarkable Journey to the World Championships Team in 200 Freestyle
Alex Shackell, a rising star from Carmel Swim Club, has defied expectations and secured her place among elite swimmers at this week’s U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Her stellar performance and intense determination in the 200-meter freestyle earned her a spot on Team USA and put her in good shape to have a significant impact on the world stage.
Shackell’s success in the 200 free came as a huge surprise. Reflecting on the race, she said: “Of all the events I’ve entered, I definitely wouldn’t have expected this one to be the one that I’d do it in.”
Shackell swam the 200 free one day after a fifth-place finish in the 200 butterfly, where she was in the second spot before fading at the end. Shackell had been more focused on the butterfly events to potentially qualify for Worlds and perhaps as a relay swimmer in the 100 free (where she swam in the B-final). The 200 free was not on her radar, and she and Carmel coach Chris Plumb made the decision she would swim the race because it fell on an otherwise open day in the schedule.
Despite her limited experience in the event, she approached the race with composure.
“It kind of felt like normal, like any meet, but with a lot of big lights and a lot more important, and I was in lane one, so I didn’t have anything to lose,” she said.
Throughout the race, Shackell maintained a laser-like focus on her personal performance rather than being preoccupied with her competitors.
“I didn’t really think about who I was racing,” Shackell said. “I was honestly just trying to get top four.”
In the preliminary heats, Shackell delivered an exceptional performance, surpassing her own expectations by dropping more than three and a half seconds from her previous time of 2:01.21 and achieving a huge personal best of 1:57.74.
“I kind of had an open pool all to myself,” she said. “I was in heat four, and I was out ahead.”
Her ability to seize the moment, even in earlier heats, demonstrated her focus and determination to make the World Championships team.
Swimming in the final out of lane one, Shackell embraced the challenge. Taking advantage of being on the outside, she dropped nearly another second from her preliminary time. She left everything in the pool and produced a blistering 1:56.80 to finish in fifth place and earn a trip to Fukuoka. Her final time is also nationally ranked as No. 4 all-time for the 15-16 age group in the women’s 200 free.
“My race strategy was to just race the people next to me, and I knew all I had to do was just try my best and kick the last 50 meters,” she said.
Her fearlessness and ability to keep her composure during the race showcased her exceptional mental fortitude.
Shackell’s achievement extends beyond personal triumphs, as she became the first female Carmel swimmer to qualify for the World Championships. Carmel Swim Club also has two male swimmers who have made the Worlds team in professional Drew Kibler, along with alum Jake Mitchell. Shackell’s efforts represent a significant milestone for female swimmers in her club and community. She is breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their swimming aspirations at the highest level.
As she prepares to represent Team USA, Shackell’s continued success in the pool is eagerly anticipated. Her achievement serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through hard work and commitment.
