News Summary

In a remarkable achievement, Charlie Short, a senior at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School, showcased exceptional talent at the IHSA State Swimming Finals. Competing in the Athletes With Disabilities division, he brought home a bronze medal and improved his personal bests across four events. With unwavering support from his teammates and coach, Charlie’s dedication and resilience made waves in the swimming community, inspiring many as he overcame challenges to achieve greatness.

Bright Lights and Big Wins: Charlie Short Triumphs at IHSA State Swimming Finals

In the charming town of Bradley, excitement filled the air as everyone gathered to celebrate a remarkable achievement by a local high school star. Charlie Short, a dedicated senior at **Bradley-Bourbonnais High School**, recently completed a stunning first and only season of high school swimming that left a lasting imprint on his community. On March 1, 2025, Charlie took the plunge and competed at the coveted IHSA State Finals held at the impressive **FMC Natatorium in Westmont**.

Four Events, Four Victories

Charlie showcased his incredible skills in the **Athletes With Disabilities division**, participating in not one, but four events during the state finals. He brought home a **bronze medal**, plus two fourth-place finishes and a fifth. For anyone who’s ever participated in sports, you can imagine what a big deal this was! For Charlie, competing at the state level felt utterly surreal, especially with the energetic support from his teammates cheering him on right there on the pool deck.

A Journey to the Pool

Swimming might not have been the first sport on Charlie’s mind – after all, he was a proud member of the **water polo team** before making the leap into swimming. Inspired by this past experience, he turned to his head coach, **Megan Dote**, seeking guidance on what swimming might look like for him. With **left hemiplegic cerebral palsy**, which affects his strength and movement on one side of his body, Charlie was unsure if he could master the sport. However, his determination and resilience led him to adapt his techniques, tackling challenges head-on.

Coach’s Faith Brings Success

His coach quickly recognized the potential within Charlie, believing he could qualify for state competitions. With hard work and dedication, Charlie excelled, clinching a spot at the state finals by winning all four of his events at the **IHSA Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional**. His impressive winning times included:

  • 50-yard freestyle: 44.17 seconds
  • 100-yard freestyle: 1:44.78
  • 100-yard breaststroke: 2:33.62
  • 200-yard freestyle: 3:56.77

Making Waves at State Finals

When it came time for the state finals, Charlie didn’t just maintain his speed; he actually improved in all four of his events! His final times shocked everyone, with standout performances including:

  • 200-yard freestyle: 3:51.55 (3rd place)
  • 50-yard freestyle: 43.94 seconds (4th place)
  • 100-yard breaststroke: 2:22.77 (4th place)
  • 100-yard freestyle: 1:41.93 (5th place)

The Power of Teamwork

What truly made Charlie’s experience magical was the unwavering support from his teammates. The encouragement he received not only fueled his ambitions but fostered a deep sense of camaraderie throughout the season. Charlie’s teammates and coach played essential roles in boosting his confidence, especially during those nail-biting final weeks leading up to the state finals. Their motivation propelled him forward, driving him to achieve greatness.

A Community Proud of Their Champion

As the dust settles on an outstanding season, Coach Dote reflects on Charlie’s courage and hard work, admiring his relentless spirit despite any physical discomfort he may have faced. The **Bradley-Bourbonnais High School** swim team, alongside family and friends, beams with pride over Charlie’s dedication, celebrating every dogged training session and every hard-fought race.

With his impressive achievements at the state finals, Charlie Short has not only made waves in the pool but has also inspired many, proving that dreams can be chased and conquered, regardless of the obstacles one faces.

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