Noah Pelinkovic, senior, swam for the Hinsdale Central boy’s swim team and helped the team win a first-place finish for the Boys Illinois State Championship for the third consecutive year. The competition was held at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL on March 1. He broke the state record of the 400 Freestyle Relay along with Luke Vatev, Henry Guo, and Frank Adamo at this meet with the time of 2:59.38. The team won with 388 points, ending this season with complete satisfaction and great performances throughout.
How does it feel to break a state record, which event was it?
Breaking the state record in the 400 freestyle relay was one of the craziest things I’ve ever experienced. We were all really shocked because we thought we would be a little bit off. We knew it would be close. It left me speechless because I never thought I would have a state record.
How did it feel becoming a three-time state champ?
The first time we won, my sophomore year, was really an incredible experience knowing everyone was working towards the same goal that season. Our team was so fast that year that we didn’t know how we could top it the year after. We came back wanting to break records and win again but by even more. This year was even crazier; all season we had been pushing each other more than ever, and my friends had the goal of breaking a national record. Being able to win as a team once was very special. Three times in a row…there is no real way to describe that feeling. It’s not something every team can do.
Was swimming always your favorite sport growing up? What led you to continue swimming?
Swimming wasn’t the only sport I did when I was younger. My parents put me in everything. I was never a very coordinated kid, so soccer and basketball didn’t come easy to me like swimming did. Eventually, I quit all the other sports and started to only do swimming.
What does your training day or week look like?
During our high school season we will usually have practice everyday Monday through Thursday after school for about two hours, and Tuesday through Thursday we have an hour and 15 minute morning practice. We swim Wednesday mornings and do weights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays we usually have a meet, and if not, we’ll have practice instead. Leading up to our more important meets, we’ll have less morning and shorter practices.
Who or what inspired you most throughout your swim seasons in high school?
The biggest inspiration during high school season is the people I swim with everyday. We are all working toward the same goal and always pushing each other. We all want to see each other succeed. Watching someone else work hard makes you want to work hard.
Is there any specific moment or race that stood out to you most this year?
There were so many incredible races this year and so many different records, team and personal ones that were broken. I think the best one has to be the 200 medley relay from state. Seeing my friends reach their goal was amazing and really motivating.
To learn more about the Hinsdale Central Swim and Dive team click here.
