AHA Senior Kate Hurst Swims Her Way to Junior World Title

When you spot Kate Hurst in the halls at the Academy of the Holy Angels, you might not guess this swimmer from Hillsdale is a junior world champion. But she is.

Before entering her senior year, Hurst traveled to Netanaya, Israel, where she swam her way to the gold medal in the 1500-meter freestyle at the Junior World Swimming Championships. She competed against the world’s top athletes in the age 18 and under category.

“Junior Worlds was one of the best experiences of my life,” Hurst shared. “It was an honor to have represented the stars and stripes on an international stage. I could not be happier to have been a part of such an amazing team, and I am so proud that Team USA brought home the win.”

She reported that 648 swimmers from 93 countries participated in the multi-event competition.

“One of my favorite parts about the sport is the team aspect,” she added. “The people I swim with are some of my closest friends, and I love training and racing with such amazing and motivated athletes. I am excited to continue this experience at the collegiate level next year.”

Hurst, who began swimming at age seven, trains with Scarlet Aquatics, a Bergen County-based club.