KNYSNA NEWS - Thomas Ferguson, originally from Knysna and now living in the Cayman Islands, got off to a great start in his freshman year at Indian River State College in Florida, USA.
His team won the 2024 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Swimming and Diving Championships, held in Fort Pierce from 6 to 9 March, for the 50th consecutive year.
Ferguson earned several medals, including three golds in the relay events, helping his team to victory. In the individual events he obtained one silver and two bronze medals and he improved his personal best times in all his events at the championships.
On day one, he played a crucial role in his team's victory in the 800-yard free relay. Ferguson swam 1:38.1 in the second leg, part of a total time of 6:32.90 - the fastest finish for his school this season.
Tom Ferguson (right) and teammate Chase Salling holding the trophy at the 2024 National Junior College Athletic Association Swimming Championships.
On 8 March, he secured bronze in the 500-yard freestyle, in a time of 4:34.97. This performance followed his 200-yard free event, where he clocked 1:39.02 – a new personal best and good enough for a silver.
On the final day, Ferguson placed third in the 100-yard freestyle, in a time of 44.12, prior to being part of the gold-medal-winning 400-yard free relay.
He produced the fastest split of all 32 competitors in a time of 43.61, which helped his team to another decisive win. The men's team clocked 2:55.65 – the fastest time in school history.
Tom matriculated at Knysna Montessori, then moved to the Cayman Islands in 2022. In 2023 he obtained a scholarship at Indian River State College in Florida, USA, where he is determined to achieve his swimming goals.
Ex-Knysna Dragons swimmer Thomas Ferguson (right) at the NJCAA swimming Championships in Florida, USA.
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