by EVAN YAO and TOMMY LI
Down by the Chadwick Pool, the record board marks the names of extraordinary swimmers who have left remarkable legacies during their careers at the school.
One name stands out, particularly with his back-to-back accolades: senior and Chadwick varsity swim captain Alex Davies.
As the current holder of Chadwick’s 200-meter CIF freestyle record, Davies is a two-time recipient of the school’s Bina Mandal Swimming Award. While leading varsity swim for the past four years, Davies has made an indelible mark.
“I love his dedication to the sport, his tenacity in wanting to go to college to swim, to do well in his meets, to really try and just be better at all times whenever he’s doing his races,” Chadwick swimming coach Julie Wood said. “Though he’s quiet, he listens very well and he really wants to learn and anything you give to him … he’s like a sponge, he takes it very well.”
Davies started out in the pool when he was 5 years old, and began his competitive club career around the age of 12 after joining Alpha Aquatics in El Segundo. At Alpha, Davies started off in senior varsity and swam his way up to high-performance prep.
“In order to swim at the highest category, you have to actively compete at intensive [swim] meets and relays,” Davies said. “The pressure to maintain strong performances has fueled my excitement for the sport.”
Initially, swimming wasn’t Davies’ first choice. “At first, I wanted to play soccer, but knowing that my grandma swam the English Channel, my parents motivated and convinced me to try out for the team.”
Davies’ younger sister, Chadwick sophomore Abbi Davies, continues her brother’s legacy as a valuable force for the girls’ team. “Alex encouraged me to start swimming when I was a kid,” she said. “He’s really dedicated and always shows up with a positive attitude and tons of confidence, which sets an example for me.”
For Alex Davies, the biggest obstacle he’s faced so far has been his own mindset. “My biggest weakness is the mental aspect of swimming … moments where you just have to block everything out and focus on race.”
This, in turn, fostered and developed his mental grit, teaching him how to visualize races and positive self-talk in order to be confident in the water.
“My first CIF [playoffs] last year was rough because I didn’t know what to expect,” Davies said.
“I wasn’t in a good mental place, super-stressed, and I came away learning that mentality is huge in swim.”
Beyond building physical agility and strength, the benefits of swim have applied to all aspects of Davies’ life.
“This sport has not only made me mentally and physically tougher, but also made me a better student and person,” he says.
“Without swim, I don’t think I would be as strong academically or have the same social skills.”
Added senior teammate George Hobart: “Alex is an aggressive, determined man who works hard to achieve his goals. His commitment is ever-present throughout all of his abilities.”
Ever since he entered the world of club swim, Davies has had his eyes set on competing and furthering his academic studies in college.
The long and strenuous recruiting process was another big mental obstacle for Davies, forcing him to be proactive in and out of the pool without the help of his parents.
Mission accomplished: This fall, Davies will be swimming and studying biology at Division III Claremont McKenna College, where he is looking forward to the opportunities to connect and bond with his new swim family.
“I chose Claremont McKenna because the campus is beautiful, it’s close to home but still with a little independence, and I love my new team,” Davies said.
“I had a great first impression of the head coach [Charlie Griffiths], who’s really nice to talk to. I love the guys on the team–their personality, ability and dedication. They were welcoming, and it’s been fun to be around them.”
The Mainsheet 