By Sofia Mercier

Student Writer

Although it may be cliché to say “When one door closes, another one opens,” this was just the case for 11-year-old Eli Henley, who is a nationally-recognized swimmer.

 

Henley began participating in baseball and soccer in his early childhood, but his days of playing land sports quickly came to an end during the summer of 2019. Beginning in his own backyard pool learning how to swim, then-8-year-old Henley became a natural in the water. By the end of the summer, Henley began swimming recreationally for Kingfish Swimming in Medfield. 

Henley took off in his swimming career, quickly rising to the top 10 of his age group nationally in three short years. He is currently ranked second in the country for his age in 100 Meter Breaststroke, and top 5 in the 50 Meter Breaststroke and 200 Meter Breaststroke. 

In an interview with Local Town Pages, Henley said the most challenging part of being a young swimmer of his level is the peers who try to bring him down because of his talent. Despite this, he is inspired by his parents Jared and Audra Lafleur, as well as Olympic medalists Cody Miller and Ryan Murphy, to express his feelings in the pool through competition. 

Currently swimming at Anglerfish Aquatics in Cumberland, RI, Henley has been across the country participating in a number of swim competitions. When not traveling, you will most likely find him at Anglerfish Aquatics where he swims for two hours a day, six days a week. 

Henley’s goal for the near future is to continue with his passion for swimming and he hopes to eventually make it to the NCAA nationals meet. He and his parents are “hoping for good things next year” with each yard he swims. Although the challenge of stiff competition has proved strenuous, Henley’s dedication has made it clear nothing can bring him down.