Teen Prodigy Tess Boyer Dominates Division III Swimming with Record Times
Tess Boyer, a junior at Wheaton College, has secured her place at the Division III National Championships for the second year running. The 18-year-old swimmer, who enrolled at 16 after skipping two high school grades, now holds some of the fastest times in the country.
Boyer first began swimming at nine, pushing through an early fear of submerging her head. Her persistence paid off—she now dominates in the pool. At the recent CCIW Championships, she set records in the 50 free (22.89), 100 free (50.12), and 200 free relay lead-off (22.97). Her 50 free time ranks fourth nationally in Division III, while her 100 free sits at seventh. Remarkably, her 22.89 in the 50 free even surpasses the current D-III national best of 23.02.
This season, she aims for top finishes at nationals, especially in the 400 IM, where she holds the fourth-best seed time. Off the pool deck, Boyer studies biochemistry and plans to savour all four years of college without rushing ahead. She also stands out as the only CCIW swimmer to qualify for nationals in back-to-back years. Support from her mother, a regular at meets who brings treats for the team, keeps Boyer motivated. Her blend of academic drive and athletic talent makes her a standout in Division III swimming.
Boyer's record-breaking performances have set her apart in Division III. With her sights on high finishes at nationals, she continues to balance elite swimming with a demanding biochemistry degree. Her achievements in the pool and classroom mark her as one of the conference's most accomplished student-athletes.
