Making Waves: Aubrey Sample Wins Back-to-Back State Titles

Lamar 6th grader Aubrey Sample made a big splash at the MAIS Swim Meet this week, earning state championships in both the 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke for the second year in a row.

Aubrey, who has been swimming since first grade and joined the Lamar Swim Team in third grade, said the victory “feels good,” and her drive comes from one thing: “The fact that I want to win so badly!”

Her winning times were 29.4 seconds in the 50 freestyle and 33.83 seconds in the 50 backstroke. These times place her in the top 10 percent of swimmers nationwide. She trains 5 to 6 times a week at Meridian Community College and the YMCA in Flowood.

Beyond the pool, Aubrey is equally committed to her academics. “I put school before swim,” she explained. “I study before and after practice, and I train hard at my practice.”

For Aubrey, swimming is more than competition. “It calms me down when I’m stressed. I get to be with my best friends, and it’s just really fun. It allows me to set good goals for myself.”

Her swim hero is Katie Ledecky, and Aubrey has her eyes on big goals of her own. She hopes to compete at Zone next summer, swim at the collegiate level, and one day pursue her dream of swimming distance in the Olympics.

Congratulations, Aubrey, on your incredible accomplishments and for representing Lamar with excellence in and out of the water!