Splashbacks 2023 – The Leading Stories From Jan.-Feb.; Transgender Swimmer Iszac Henig Switches Programs
Traditionally, Swimming World caps each year by revisiting some of its most-read stories from the previous months. This Splashback package is broken into six parts, with each segment looking at the top topics of a two-month span. Our Splashbacks will run through the last day of 2023, and lead us into the unquestionable excitement to come in 2024 – an Olympic year.
Here are the top stories from January and February for 2023.
1. Ivy League Champ Iszac Henig Transitions to Yale Men’s Team
The topic of transgender athletes in sports has been a widely discussed topic over the past two years. In January, it was revealed that Iszac Henig, after competing for the Yale women’s program, had transitioned, and was racing as a member of the Bulldogs’ men’s squad.
2. Charges Against Sarah Mardini Dismissed by Greek Court
In mid-January, activist Sarah Mardini, the sister of Refugee Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini, had charges against her dropped by a Greek court for helping Middle East refugees reach Greek shores. Mardini was among two dozen aid workers who had espionage charges, among others, levied against her.
With Virginia surging toward another NCAA women’s team title, Senior Writer Matthew De George put together a feature on the program’s use of math and analytics in boosting performance. Specifically, he spoke with the man behind the math, professor Ken Ono.
4. Passages: Carmel Swimmer Michael Jent Dies After Injuries Sustained in Car Accident
Tragedy struck the swimming world in January when Carmel High School’s Michael Jent passed away after being involved in a car accident.
5. At Indiana High School Girls States, the Talent In the Pool Is Striking
Ahead of the Indiana High School Girls Championships, Swimming World provided a preview of the action to come and emphasized the rich talent that annually comes out of the Hoosier State.