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GPS Swimmer Ellie Taliaferro '22 Breaks School Records

Senior posts impressive performances at state meet
GPS senior Ellie Taliaferro has been a record-setter throughout her athletic career, and her final meet as a scholastic competitor for the Bruisers was no different. Taliaferro set two new school records at the TISCA State High School Championships in Nashville last weekend. Her time of 49.90 in the 100 Freestyle broke a record that she had set previously in 2020 and was her first effort in that event that cleared the elusive 50-second mark. She also broke the school mark in the 200 IM with a time of 2:01.89. The previous best in that event was 2:02.08 by Susanna LaRochelle in 2016.
Taliaferro’s time in the 100 Free is an automatic qualifier for NISCA All-American status. Her time in the 200 IM is an All-American Consideration. She was a two-time All-American as both a junior and sophomore after earning the recognition in one event as a freshman. After her sophomore season, she was the first GPS swimmer to earn All-American recognition in back-to-back years since LaRochelle in 2016.
On January 22, Taliaferro broke the GPS school record in the 500 Freestyle, eclipsing a mark that had been in place since 1994. Her performance at the recent state meet gave her three new school records in a period of three weeks. She holds the school record in the 50 Freestyle as well.
The senior was a big part of the overall team performance for the Bruisers last weekend at the TISCA state meet. GPS finished second overall in the state competition that, unlike TSSAA championships, includes both public and private schools. Taliaferro finished second overall in the 200-Yard IM and 100-Yard Free. She was also part of a state championship 400-Yard Free Relay team that included Frances Bohner, Scout Chapin, and Keller Williamson. The foursome finished their event with a time of 3:29.55, almost four full seconds ahead of their closest competitor.
When asked to comment about Taliaferro’s final season, GPS Head Swimming and Diving Coach Roger Dahlke said, “Ellie has been a force for the past decade with our club, McCallie-GPS Aquatics, as well as our team at GPS. From 2012 through today, Ellie holds 47 club records. She holds many of our 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and Senior Girls records. Ellie also has many GPS Middle and Upper School records.”
He added, “Ellie's versatility and competitive nature makes her a force in every high school race. It has been a privilege and pleasure to be Ellie's coach.” Taliaferro is committed to swim at Vanderbilt University next year and will be recognized for her college commitment at a school assembly on National Signing Day in April.
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