With a powerful pull through the water, Julien Fang (‘26) slices across the pool, each stroke deliberate and controlled. As he reaches the wall, the clock confirms what years of work have built toward: another personal achievement earned through discipline and per-
sistence.
Fang is a four-year member of the varsity boys swimming team. Over his high school career, he has established himself as one of the program’s strongest swimmers, breaking school and club records while earning medals at highly competitive meets.
His dedication has carried him to major milestones, including qualifying for Sectionals two years in a row, one of the most competitive stages in the sport.
One of the most defining moments of Fang’s career came when he qualified for Futures, a prestigious meet that swimmers must earn a time standard to attend .
Another standout moment followed soon after, when Fang achieved the qualifying time in the 100 breaststroke.
“That was a really big moment for me,” Fang said. “I was celebrating with my coach, and it reminded me that all the work I had put in was worth it.”
Those moments of achievement are made even more meaningful to his family, who have supported him every step of the way. Fang’s father said the family is especially proud of Julien earning MVP of the Year as a freshman for the South swim team, a rare honor that set the tone for his high school career.
Beyond athletics, he added that they are just as proud of Julien being elected a peer leader at school, highlighting his character outside the pool.
While Fang has reached impressive competitive heights, he values more than just medals and record times. For him, swimming is just as much about the everyday moments spent with teammates as it is about the biggest races.
“The memories you make during practice and competitions matter just as much,” Fang said. “Those experiences helped shape me as both an athlete and a teammate.”
One memory that stands out for his father came during Fang’s freshman year at the Meet of Champions at the New Jersey In-
stitute of Technology. Fang was swimming in the 100 breaststroke finals and arrived late to the blocks after being stuck in the bathroom, leaving everyone waiting. Despite the pressure and confusion, he still swam a personal best.
“That was very interesting,” his father said. “Everyone was waiting for him, and he still got on the blocks and swam his best race.”
Fang’s success did not come instantly. He began swimming in sixth grade, which he considers relatively late compared to many
elite swimmers who start much younger. Despite the late start, strong coaching and relentless effort allowed him to quickly improve and close the gap between himself and swimmers with years more experience.
As a freshman, Fang was named Most Valuable Player, setting the tone for a high school career defined by growth and consistency. When receiving major awards, his father described Julien as trying to be “Mr. Cool,” never getting too high or too low. “I think he’s probably thinking either I got lucky or this is just one of many to come,” he said.
What drives Fang, he explains, is discipline and a desire to improve rather than pure enjoyment. “The biggest motivation is me,” Fang said. “I want to do my best and be the best at everything I do.”
Looking ahead, Fang plans to continue swimming at the collegiate level and hopes to one day compete in the World University Games and ultimately the Olympics.
Fang’s journey is one of persistence, ambition and commitment. As his father reflected, no single moment stands out above the rest because “all are precious and connected in his journey of learning and growth as a young man, as a student, and as a human being.” Through years of hard work and family support, Fang continues to push toward the highest levels of competition, proving that success is built over time through dedication and belief.
