Andres Dupont, a senior at The Bolles School, is named the ITG Next 2022 Northeast Florida Male Swimmer of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Baptist Health, and the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute.
Growing up in Cancun, Mexico, a place surrounded by water, Dupont’s parents found it imperative that he learn to swim. He began learning the basics and eventually grew to be the record-breaking swimmer he is today.
“Mexico is full of great people. I love Cancun because it is full of activities,” said Dupont, noting watersports as the most common activity. “My parents wanted to put me in swimming classes and that is how it all started. It has become my passion.”
In 2020, Dupont broke The Bolles School record in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:35.60 cut .21. The record had stood since 2000. Dupont is a double state champ, having won the 100 free (43.74) and 200 free (1:35.90). In the 2022 Southern Zone South Sectional Championships, Dupont led his team to victory in the men’s 100 freestyle (50.94).
The team recently took home gold medals during the 1A state championships. Dupont set out a personal goal to win five medals at the meet, and he did just that.
“It was an awesome experience. It was my second time representing Bolles in the state championship,” said Dupont. “The Bolles School is a prestigious school. I have known about this school since I was young. I have always wanted to come here.”
Recently named All-News4JAX swimmer of the year, Dupont has been able to grow as an athlete with his team and under coach Peter Verhoef.
“He is like my second dad,” said Dupont. “He has helped me a lot in these past two years. He has helped me accomplish most of my goals and he has helped me in my development as a professional swimmer from now on.”
Dupont is taking advantage of this last year in high school, working hard to beat his own personal records and prepare for the Fukuoka World Championship.
He will be going to Stanford University for college.
“I am super excited. I really don’t have the words to express how happy I am. I am going there mainly because of the insane academics they have,” said Dupont. Their athletic program is perfect for me. I think I am the perfect fit for it. The guys on the team are awesome,” said Dupont.
Andres Dupont’s ultimate goal is to make it to the Olympic Games and go to Paris in 2024.
