Jaiden Xu ’25: swimming

The sound of the starting horn reverberates throughout the pool as Jaiden Xu ’25 dives off the block, precisely cutting his way through the water. His rivals struggle to keep up, as he glides through the water in a rhythm and pace that has been meticulously cultivated throughout his years of experience. In an effortless display of his underwater prowess, Xu scores the key points for his team

Xu was introduced to swimming at an early age, with his father kickstarting what would eventually blossom into an 11-year career. His father became one of his inspirations along with 23 time Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps.

“My father taught [my brother and I] at a young age ... I really looked up to my father,” said Xu.

Xu explained that his father and Phelps share key traits: dedication, perseverance, and resilience, which played a key role in his decision to stay in the sport, despite facing many challenges.

“There was a period in time where injuries plagued me, and it genuinely made me [think about] quitting,” said Xu. “But I thought about the fact that I’ve put so much effort into this sport I might as well continue and see how far it’ll take me. It’s not like it’s going to be the end of the world if I don’t perform well.”

His commitment and dedication to his team paid off, as Xu’s efforts aided the PHS boys swim team in clinching the Colonial Valley Conference championship this past January, going undefeated in the regular season and individually placing in the top three. Boys swim coach Carly Misiewicz has noticed Xu’s capability ever since his freshman year.

“From his first year he was somebody who was very talented [and] very skilled,” said Misiewicz. “He was a top contributor as a freshman ... but he’s really grown into being able to swim almost any event.”

In between his commitment to the sport, Xu finds time for other aspects of his life, especially his family and his education.

“With my family, I try to spend as much time as I can, especially on the weekends,” said Xu. “[For] school work, I try to finish in school so I don’t have to do it at home. [But], sometimes I do have to miss practice in order to finish work.”

His dedication to excellence is also shown in his leadership. David Xu ’25 has been on the team with Xu for all four years, witness- ing the behind-the-scenes effort he puts into the sport.

“He’s definitely one of the hardest workers out there that I know of,” said Xu. “He’s always there ... helping and pushing teammates to do their best and go their fastest.

Xu’s leadership has been critical to the team’s success this year, especially in an important swim meet against West Windsor High School South when it came down to the final relay where the boys needed first and second place to win the meet. That’s when Jaiden came up with a strategy.

“[He suggested to] split up our best swimmers into both these relays so we could secure these positions, and it ended up helping us win the meet,” said David Xu.

Xu plans to carry his swimming career into the next four years at Hamilton University, where he will continue to compete at a high level in a sport that he has loved since his childhood.