Swimming is one of the most physically demanding sports, and here on the First Coast, the swimming scene is exceptionally competitive at the high school level. The area has produced a number of collegiate and even Olympic athletes. One of the next big swimmers in the upcoming wave? Taylor Radcliffe.
Radcliffe began swimming just for fun. She wanted to join her local YMCA team since many of her friends joined the team. Eventually, that hobby became one of her biggest passions.
The road leading to where she currently sits wasn’t always an easy one. Before entering high school, Radcliffe underwent surgery on her shoulder, an injury that sidelined her for the entire 2014 season. She returned to the pool in 2015 for the first time since her surgery with the AmberJax. Taylor knew that getting back to where she was before the injury would be tough, but it was a journey she was excited to take on.
“It made me feel nervous because I was scared I wasn’t going to be at the level I was before the injury, but I was glad to be back where I belonged,” Radcliffe said.
Now in her Sophomore year at Bishop Kenny High School, Radcliffe just finished up an impressive sophomore campaign in which she was the highest placing Jacksonville girl at the 2A Florida High School Swimming and Diving State Championships in Stuart, Florida. During her run to state, she placed first in the 50-meter freestyle at districts. Radcliffe followed that performance with a first-place finish in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle at the regional meet. Although she placed eighth in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay at the state meet, she placed second in the 50 freestyle at state, earning herself a silver medal.
“Being the highest placing girl in the city at the state championships was amazing considering that I was concerned that I would not be ready for the upcoming high school season since I had set some high goals for myself,” Radcliffe said. “I wanted to medal at state, and that’s exactly what I did.”
After being concerned she wouldn’t be ready for the season, it’s safe to say that Radcliffe went above and beyond the expectations she set for herself. It drives her to be even better going into next year. Her goal next season? To win an event at the state championship.
Radcliffe would like to continue swimming at a high level after high school while pursuing a degree in physical therapy or forensic science. For a girl who’s already overcome a lot to reach her goals, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her accomplish even more goals she’s set for herself. But she still has two years at Bishop Kenny, where she wishes to represent her school academically and at the state level athletically. Jacksonville has another potential star swimmer on its hands, and her name is Taylor Radcliffe.
Didn’t Miss a Stroke
Written by: Ryan Hutchins
