Former Students Making Waves in the USA
Thursday, 14 March 2024

Our alumni community continues to shine with an update from two recent graduates both studying and swimming in the US!

Michael Han (2022) and James Slessor (2021) are two exceptional alumni whose swimming abilities have earned them prestigious scholarships in the United States, with Michael currently attending Le Moyne in New York State and James studying at Youngstown State University in Ohio.

Despite living over 500 kilometres apart, fate brought them together at Michael’s Division I Northeast Swimming Conference Championships in Geneva, Ohio. James travelled from his Youngstown base to watch Michael compete and catch up on their Pakuranga College days. Though they don’t meet often, seeing a familiar face is always a welcome sight. 

The support paid off with Michael setting personal best times in his 200 and 100-yard freestyle events, including making the final in the 200-yard swim. He also helped the Le Moyne College swim team secure a bronze medal as part of the 4x100-yard freestyle relay. 

James competes in the Division I Horizon League and is also impressing in the pool, securing 6th-place finishes in the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke events - achieving a season-best time in the former and personal best in the latter. Additionally, he attained College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America Invitational B-cut times. That’s fast! 

Good luck with your future endeavours in the pool boys - we can’t wait to see what you do next!