Topper Swim Team Wins Bill Hudson Invite, Girls Lead the Way

Los Alamos High School hosted the ninth annual Bill Hudson Swim and Dive Invite on Saturday, December 10, at the Larry Walkup Aquatic Center. Eight teams traveled to town for a full day of competition, with the Topper girls swim and diving team scoring 512 points to win first place. The Topper boys team finished fifth with 177 points.

The meet offered Los Alamos swimmers a chance to compete in a structured environment early in the season, and served as a showcase for several standout performances. Photographs from the event captured Dela Brug at the start of the 200 yard medley relay backstroke, Grace Nowell winning a 200 yard freestyle heat, Michelle Lo finishing first in a butterfly heat, and Austin Theye taking the win in his 100 yard freestyle heat. Images of individual swims and diving action were taken by John McHale of ladailypost.com.

Beyond medals and scores, the invite matters to families and neighbors because it keeps local youth engaged in regular physical activity and strengthens community ties. The Larry Walkup Aquatic Center functions as more than a competition venue, it is a public asset that supports swim instruction, water safety and informal exercise for residents. Participation in school athletics is linked to better physical and mental health outcomes, and meets such as this one provide low barrier access to competitive sport for teenagers from Los Alamos and surrounding communities.

The meet also highlights issues of equity and support for school programs. The strong showing by the girls team reflects investment in coaching and training, and underscores the importance of consistent funding for facilities, coaching staff, and travel to regional competitions. For county leaders and school administrators, sustaining access to the aquatic center and related programming remains a practical public health measure that promotes safety and lifelong fitness.

As the season continues, the Topper teams will build on the experience gained at the Bill Hudson Invite. For neighbors and local policymakers, the event offers a reminder that community health includes safe places to play and compete, and that investment in youth sports yields benefits that extend beyond the pool.