St. Petersburg’s own Hansen siblings—Brinkleigh, Sawyer and Karrington—along with teammate Ansley Bess, have been selected to swim for Team USA at the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Santa Fe, Argentina, Sept. 3‑6. The quartet represents a proud local pipeline from St. Petersburg High School to the international stage.
Family roots and school ties
Brinkleigh, Sawyer and Karrington grew up in the same household where swimming was a family tradition. Their parents were competitive swimmers, and the Hansen children were introduced to the sport at a young age. Today, Brinkleigh and Sawyer are current seniors at St. Petersburg High School, while Karrington, an alumnus, continues his career as a swimmer at the University of Kentucky. Ansley Bess, a freshman at the same high school, earned her spot on the team after transitioning from gymnastics to swimming.
Preparing for open water competition
Open water races take place in natural bodies of water—lakes, rivers and oceans—requiring athletes to master endurance, navigation and mental resilience. The Hansen siblings and Bess train six days a week, often doubling up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to build the stamina needed for the 10‑kilometer distance. “I never get used to the feeling and I don’t think anybody ever does because it’s so crazy,” Brinkleigh said, reflecting on the honor of representing the United States.
Looking ahead
Brinkleigh, who previously competed in a 10‑kilometer race at the Pan Pacific Championships in California, hopes the experience will propel her toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also voiced concern that open water swimming could be removed from the 2032 Brisbane Games, urging officials to preserve the sport that showcases nature’s beauty.
Sawyer, a sophomore, described his selection as a milestone: “It’s my first international trip and first time representing Team USA. I’m excited to meet new people and compete at this level.” He aims to continue swimming in college and eventually pursue a professional career, with the Olympics as his long‑term goal.
Ansley, who only began swimming after a cousin encouraged her, said she is eager to learn from veteran athletes on the trip. “I’m definitely excited to race and learn a bunch of things from people who have been on these trips before,” she said.
Community pride
The achievement underscores St. Petersburg’s commitment to youth athletics and the supportive role of families, schools and local clubs. Parents, coaches and fellow students have rallied around the swimmers, recognizing the dedication required to compete on a world stage. The city’s warm climate and access to the Gulf of Mexico provide an ideal training environment, further cementing St. Petersburg’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite swimmers.
As the athletes prepare to depart for Argentina, they carry the hopes of their hometown and the inspiration of younger swimmers who dream of following in their footsteps. Their journey highlights the power of family, faith, and hard work—values that resonate deeply within the St. Petersburg community.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
