As the final buzzer echoed through the pool, all eyes were on a junior Oliver Mann and his 200 freestyle relay team who had just shattered a school record on the biggest stage possible, the 2024 State Championship. Despite the state championship appearance being the first in Poly history, Mann not only was able to add to his impressive career as a swimmer but also broke a record of 1:28:80, which he previously helped set. The Poly 200 freestyle relay team of Bobby Hall ‘24, Michael Munder ‘24, Mann and sophomore Brandon Shin broke the record with a time of 1:26:30 and also placed 27th in the state.
Mann has always had a knack for being in the water. He’s been interested in the sport since he was a baby and has been competitively swimming for roughly 10 years now.
Mann has swam for the Rose Bowl aquatics team and is ranked 155th in California for recruiting with a power index of 32.69, an impressive feat as someone with a power index anywhere from 10.01 to 30 would be a solid candidate for high-level collegiate teams.
When asked what he enjoys most about swimming, Mann mentioned the team atmosphere and his state championship relay group: “It’s something really special to get four guys together like we did last year to break records and go to state. I think the relays are where an individual sport like swimming switches to a team sport.”
Mann is very committed and dedicated to his sport. Head Coach Sean Grab mentioned, “He’s super hard working and so invested in his athletic development as a swimmer. He absolutely loves it, which is a big part of his improvement. The kid does not stop talking about swimming and is so focused on details, and that helps him get better on a daily basis. He just cares a lot more than other athletes and has a great build for it with his athleticism, motivation and work ethic.”
While working on his own accomplishments, Mann has positively impacted his swimming teammates.
“Oliver is not just his times. He is an inspiration and a leader. His love for the sport is infectious, making everyone around him excited to swim,” said junior swim team member Akhil Venuturupalli. “As a captain this year, he has taken on a new level of responsibility, using his many years of experience in this sport to teach new athletes and support our new head coach with sets for practice and meet logistics. Oliver Mann is the Poly swim team.”
For this upcoming season, Mann has several goals, including helping Poly win the Prep League on the boys side, breaking the school record in the 50 freestyle and lowering the 100 Butterfly record.
With his talent and hard work, Mann is poised to achieve these goals and so many more great things in the pool.