Kenneth Barnicle, a prominent swimmer from Mendham, has participated in the Olympic trials and achieved the top position in New Jersey’s recruitment rankings. Next year, he plans to swim at the University of California, Berkeley and compete in NCAA events. He hopes to continue progressing from that point onward.

In the current year, during the NJ YMCA State Championships, six-time champion Kenneth achieved first place in the 200-yard breaststroke, 100-yard breaststroke, 1000-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle (setting a Mid-Atlantic YMCA record), 200-yard butterfly, and 400-yard individual Medley. His numerous first-place finishes this year and many from previous years are just too numerous to tally.

When he first began swimming, it was primarily for safety reasons. “Everybody has to swim,” he exclaims. However, after sustaining injuries while participating in track and basketball as a child, he turned to swimming as a form of rehabilitation. Over time, his initial necessity transformed into a genuine enjoyment of the sport, which further fueled Kenneth’s interest in continuing to swim.

Kenneth’s family has played a crucial role in his continued involvement in the sport, providing support and motivation daily. Additionally, his teammates train alongside him each day and “push me to be the best I can”, he says. 

Throughout the years, the primary challenge in swimming has been identified as mental. Kenneth states that the sport is “90% mental and 10% physical.” Consequently, he believes this is a hurdle that all swimmers encounter.

Reflecting on this season, Kenneth feels deep pride for the entire team. In addition to all of his accomplishments as captain, he believes that he and Martin, a co-captain, have successfully united everyone. They achieved their first sectional title and witnessed their first team members compete at the state level. He is immensely proud of the team’s performance and the progress they made throughout the season. Overall, it was a highly successful season.