On Dec. 6, junior J.J. Arbuckle broke the school’s 500 freestyle swim record, with a time of 4:54.42.

The previous 500 freestyle record was set in 2021 by Theo Johnson with a time of 4:55.83.

Arbuckle led the team to first place at Greenhill’s meet against Parish Episcopal School, the Episcopal School of Dallas and Cistercian Preparatory School.

“J.J. has so many strengths with textbook technique in not only his strokes, but also his dive, relay dive, turns and finishes,” said Head Swim Coach Patti Monzingo. “J.J.’s sportsmanship is second to none and his character both in and out of the pool is outstanding.”

Arbuckle attributes part of his motivation in this sport to his older sister, and fellow swimmer senior Josie Arbuckle.

“She definitely motivates me when I’m tired, when I don’t feel like going to practice,” said J.J. Arbuckle. “I look to her and she keeps me accountable, so I think she is an inspiration to me in a lot of ways.”

J.J Arbuckle hopes to continue his career in swimming throughout high school, and into college.

“I want to swim in college so in the next year I want to improve a lot and continue working hard, focusing on my technique,” said J.J. Arbuckle. “I want to hopefully break a few more records by the time I leave.”