Printer Friendly Version - Wu’s Rewriting the Record Book with Hand Boys’ Swimming

Chris Wu recently broke the school record in the 100 butterfly as a member of the Hand boys’ swimming and diving team. Only a sophomore, Chris has also contributed to school record performances in a pair of relays with the Tigers. Photo courtesy of Chris Wu

Even though he’s only a sophomore, Chris Wu is already making a big splash with the Hand boys’ swimming and diving squad. Chris, a lifelong swimmer, holds the school record in the 100 butterfly and has also swam on two record-holding relay teams.

“Setting school records makes me feel proud and, at the same time, it makes me feel thankful for my parents, coaches, teammates, and those who have supported me along the way,” says Chris. “I never really expected this kind of success.”

Chris broke the school record in the butterfly when he won the event with a time of 55.36 seconds during Hand’s loss to Cheshire on Jan. 10. Chris also took first place in the 200 individual medley and anchored the Tigers’ victorious 400 freestyle relay that day.

When Hand faced Amity on Jan. 18, Chris swam on a pair of relays that set school records. First, Chris joined forces with Paul O’Connor, Mike Healey, and Dylan Merritt to post a record-breaking time of 1:45.87 in the 200 medley relay. Then in the 400 freestyle relay, Chris, O’Connor, Beecher Porter, and Tyler Merritt etched their names in the record books behind a time of 3:25.82.

Hand’s Head Coach Christina Forristall details the big impact that Chris has had on her program in such a short amount of time.

“I have seen a tremendous amount of growth from his freshman year to this year. He gives 100 percent to every and any race we put him in,” says Forristall. “Chris brings versatility to our lineup. I can and have put him in almost every event over the course of the past two seasons. He never complains or questions. He races for his team’s ultimate success and, along the way, he is experiencing great individual success, as well. He currently holds two individual school records, is extremely close to breaking two other individual records, and is a member of two school record relay teams.”

Chris has worked hard for several years to reach this point. Chris started swimming when he was just six years old, competing for the Wallingford YMCA team while growing up, after which he joined the Cheshire YMCA team.

“The thing I love most is meeting new people,” says Chris. “Over the years, I have met some of my best friends through swimming.”

Chris has enjoyed getting to know a new group of teammates as a member of the Tigers. Upon arriving at Hand, Chris was excited about joining the program because high school swimming place a heavy emphasis on team results.

“High school swimming is much more team focused. Swimming is usually thought of as an individual sport, however, in high school swimming, it’s all about putting the team above yourself,” he says. “The thing I enjoy most about the Hand swim team is the camaraderie. Even if everyone is not best friends, everybody treats each other with respect and everyone is united by a common goal—team success.”

While helping the Tigers find success, Chris has also seen his fair share of achievements aside from the school records. As a freshman, Chris was an All-State swimmer who competed in the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke at the most prestigious meet of the postseason: the State Open Championship. Out of all his events, Chris says that he loves swimming the backstroke the most.

“My favorite event is the 100 backstroke because, in my opinion, it is the perfect combination of speed and endurance,” says Chris.

When he isn’t swimming, Chris plays trombone in Hand’s concert band and marching band, and he’s also a member of the debate team. During the summer, Chris volunteers at Yale New Haven Hospital.

With school records and All-State honors already under his belt, Chris some has big-time goals for the rest of his high school career. Chris wants to win an individual state title, while helping the Tigers take home a state championship. Beyond high school, Chris is hoping to one day swim at the collegiate level.

Through it all, Chris thanks his parents for their support and adds that he’s also learned a lot from his coaches and his teammates.

“Over the years, my parents have always been there for me. They pick me up from practice every day and, when I don’t reach my expectations, they are always there to provide words of encouragement,” says Chris. “Some things I have learned from my coaches and teammates over the years are to always stay strong, even when facing failure, and that the only way to achieve success is through hard work.”