Becoming one of the greatest male swimmers in Georgia high school history
HOSCHTON, Ga. (BVM) — Being named the Gwinnett Daily Post’s Boy Swimmer of the Year is not a new feat for Mill Creek High School’s Jake Magahey. This is the third consecutive year he’s received the honor. Winning county titles has become mainstream for him as well. In all eight of his individual county races, he’s left as the champion.
Hawks head coach Rick Creed said that in his opinion, Magahey is the best male high school swimmer in Georgia state history. Creed has been coaching swimming since 1981, and has seen numerous Olympians come through the state during that time. Creed personally coached Eric Shanteau, a two-time gold medalist. To call a high school senior the best in state history is significant.
However, Magahey has the accolades to match the part. He holds all-time county records for the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle races, as well as the 100 butterfly. He swept the 200 and 500 freestyle
state championships for the third straight year, giving him six individual state titles and one relay state title. All of this, despite not being at full strength. Magahey fell ill the week of state.
He still overcame, and in a big way. He won the 200 freestyle by setting a state-record (1:34.37), beating the previous time by almost a full second. He won the 500 freestyle with the runner-up 14 seconds behind. A record-holder for multiple other races, perhaps the most impressive achievement is his 13 high school All-American selections.
Heading to race for the University of Georgia next year, Magahey will continue to build upon his legacy. A legacy that has flourished after finding out that this fun hobby could turn into something bigger.
“I started swimming because my sister was and my mom used to swim. I figured it could be something fun to do during the summer,” Magahey said. “When I was 13, I won the 400 freestyle at state…from there I said ‘OK, I think I can do something with this.’”
However, never in his wildest imagination would Magahey have expected the level of success that he has encountered throughout his career. Race after race, the future Georgia Bulldog shatters records and wins by landslides. Yet, he’s able to keep each race interesting, with a specific goal for each one.
“If there is somebody I’m particularly competitive with, the goal is to just win,” Magahey said. “If it’s just me versus the clock, I’m focused on getting a good time or records. There’s always something to focus on.”
Admittedly, Magahey is so laser-focused that sometimes, he forgets to sit back and enjoy his accomplishments; it’s always on to the next achievement. On the other hand, Magahey knows he should make it more of a priority to appreciate what all he’s done.
“Sometimes I swim a race and I’m not where I want to be at, but it’ll still be a great time,” Magahey said, “and sometimes I need to sit down and look at everything I’ve done and just appreciate that.”
To be considered an Olympic-hopeful is something to be proud of in itself. Nonetheless, his next opportunity to improve upon these things will be in Athens at the University of Georgia. With the Summer Olympics postponed until 2021, Magahey will have plenty of time to round out his skills and qualify whenever the trials come around. That will be his focus for the immediate future.
“There’s always room to improve unless you are Michael Phelps or (Ryan) Lochte,” Magahey said. “There’s always somebody better than you or some milestone you can reach, even if you are the best.”
