Baird Shatters Records, Leads Saratoga Springs at Section 2 Championships

 

Written by AI under direction and editing of Saratoga Report Publisher Dan De Federicis

 

CLIFTON PARK — Saratoga Springs junior Anderson Baird turned the Shenendehowa pool into his personal record book on Saturday, delivering a masterclass performance at the Section 2 Division 1 Boys’ Swimming and Diving Championships. Named the “Competitor of the Meet,” Baird captured two individual titles in All-American fashion, cementing his status as the state’s premier breaststroke and medley specialist heading into the postseason.

The Blue Streaks standout began his historic run in the 200-yard individual medley, clocking a blistering 1:48.42 to erase the previous pool record. He returned to the water later in the session to dominate the 100-yard breaststroke, touching the wall at 55.49 seconds to claim his second gold medal and another Shenendehowa pool record. Both times comfortably surpassed the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) automatic qualifying standards.

Baird’s brilliance extended to the relays, where he anchored the 400-yard freestyle relay team to a first-place finish with a time of 3:18.85. He also played a pivotal role in Saratoga’s 200-yard freestyle relay, which secured a silver medal at 1:39.92. While Bethlehem walked away with the overall Section 2 team title, Baird’s four-event state qualification provided a massive spark for the Saratoga program.

This championship performance caps a remarkable year for Saratoga aquatics, following the girls’ team’s undefeated run to their first sectional title in over two decades. Baird now turns his focus to the State Championships at Ithaca College, where he is projected to be a top seed in multiple events.