St. Petersburg, Fla. – Four local swimmers have been selected to join Team USA for the 2026 World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships, set for September 3‑6 in Santa Fe, Argentina. The athletes—Ansley Bess, Sawyer Hansen, Brinkleigh Hansen and Karrington Hansen—represent St. Petersburg Aquatics and are either current students or recent graduates of St. Petersburg High School.
Team USA roster and family achievement
The quartet forms part of a 12‑member U.S. roster competing in the open‑water events. The Hansen siblings—Sawyer, Brinkleigh and Karrington—make history as three brothers and sisters earning spots on the same national team while attending the same high school. Their collective selection underscores the strength of the local swimming program and the dedication of their family.
Training regimen and athlete comments
All four swimmers maintain a rigorous schedule, training six days a week with one hour of morning practice followed by two additional hours each evening. “It’s so cool, and I think this has honestly never been done before, all coming from the same team and the same high school,” said Brinkleigh Hansen. “It’s super special.” Sawyer added, “Our family is always competitive and wants to be the best. Representing Team USA at the highest level is the best it gets.” Ansley Bess described her reaction as one of disbelief: “I didn’t process it at first because I’d never performed on this stage before. It was just wow to me. It was cool.”
Path to international competition
Brinkleigh Hansen previously represented Team USA in the 10‑kilometer open‑water race at the Pan Pacific Championships in California, gaining valuable experience on the world stage. She now sets her sights on the 2028 Olympic Games, hoping to continue her upward trajectory.
Community impact
The achievement shines a spotlight on St. Petersburg’s youth sports programs, offering a positive example for other student‑athletes. Local coaches and parents have praised the swimmers’ discipline and the supportive environment fostered by St. Petersburg Aquatics. The city’s schools and community organizations plan to celebrate the swimmers’ selection with a recognition ceremony at the high school later this month.
Looking ahead
As the young athletes prepare for travel to Argentina, they will continue their intensive training while balancing academic responsibilities. Their participation on the world stage not only elevates their personal prospects but also brings pride to St. Petersburg, reinforcing the city’s reputation for nurturing talent that can compete nationally and internationally.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
