From High School to Olympic Swimming

July 11, 2012

Fans of U.S. Swimming already have plenty of reasons to cheer for Missy Franklin later this month at the Summer Olympics -- she's only 17, but qualified to compete in a U.S. women's all-time best seven events.

But fans of high school sports and what they provide athletes at all levels of ability can also support her for how she's chosen to compete when she's not racing against the best in the world.

Franklin, who lives in Colorado, has continued to swim for her high school team despite the financial rewards she could've earned by taking the elite swimmer's usual path of going pro.

A ton has been written about Franklin lately, for obvious reasons. Below is a link to a New York Times story from February that focused on her continued dedication to her high school team.

Before the Olympic Trials, There’s This Big High School Meet (New York Times)

Today in the MHSAA: 1/28/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 28, 2026

1. BOYS BASKETBALL Denham Butler’s last-minute 3-pointer pushed Dearborn Divine Child past Jackson Lumen Christi 55-53 as Divine Child clinched the outright Catholic High School League AA title – Jackson Citizen Patriot

2. GIRLS BASKETBALL Goodrich’s Kayla Hairston went over 1,000 career points during a win over Flushing, and Flint Powers Catholic’s Kendyl Smith made the MHSAA records with 21 free throws in a win over Detroit Edison – Flint Journal

3. BOYS BASKETBALL Goodrich’s Jensen LePla also went over 1,000 career points during a 50-46 victory over Flushing – Flint Journal

4. BOYS BASKETBALL Lansing Waverly got past Holt 86-84 in double overtime in a game that also saw the Rams’ Brandon Mercer break the school’s career 3-pointers record – Lansing State Journal

5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Lilly Williams broke Howell’s single-season blocks record during a 49-24 win over Plymouth – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Negaunee defeated Gladstone 30-19 in a matchup of arguably the two best girls basketball teams in the Upper Peninsula – My UP Now

7. BOYS BASKETBALL Marquette delivered Ishpeming Westwood its only loss this winter, 59-35 – Upper Michigan’s Source

8. BOYS BASKETBALL Grosse Ile handed Riverview its first Huron League defeat, 72-54 – Southgate News-Herald

9. ICE HOCKEY Craig Borges scored three goals in Huron Valley’s win over Fenton – Oakland Press

10. BOYS BASKETBALL Traverse City Christian remains undefeated after a notable 71-65 win over Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian – MI Sports Now