Only a handful of people in Maryland Swimming history can say they swam a 100m Butterfly in under 48.30 seconds. Senior Noah Potter can say just that, breaking the Montgomery County record with a time of 48.10. This storybook ending closed Potter’s high school career, who after over a decade of swimming, is a state champion.
Potter first started swimming at age seven with his brother Sam at Old Georgetown Club before switching to competitive full-time swimming at only eight years old. From there, Potter progressed to being one of the best swimmers in the region and still swims under All Star Aquatics.
“What makes him so good is his consistency,” teammate, junior Taiyo Murphy said. “He’s been a top swimmer since he was seven so just being there the whole time makes him excel.”
Besides the early start to swimming, Potter’s dedication to his craft has allowed him to repeatedly find himself on the podium.
“He’s very committed,” twin brother Sam Potter said. “He goes to bed early and wakes up early so that he can get to practice every day; just very committed to swimming.”
That commitment is on full display in Noah’s schedule, where he can spend hours in the pool any given day.
“I have practice after school pretty much every day and one or two mornings a week,” Noah Potter said. “I also (go to) the gym once or twice a week.”
Potter’s work-ethic is an example for members of the WJ swim team, where Potter is a team-captain. The four-year member’s resume speaks for itself; Potter has led the team to one of its best years ever.
Beyond swimming, Potter is an exceptional student and strives for excellence throughout his daily life.
A detail-oriented person, Potter’s thoroughness is a central characteristic of the Bethesda teen.
“Outside swimming, I try to make sure I’m studying, doing homework,” Noah Potter said. “Whenever I race, I try to do the same race every time, like the same number of kicks and strokes.”
Potter is also a friend, family member and someone who others gravitate towards.
‘He’s a fun guy,” Murphy said. “He likes to goof around but he can get down to business.”
With his WJ swim career in the rearview mirror, Noah has left a legacy of prowess and expertise. His name will hold weight for years to come in the form of his school records in the 200 medley relay, 400 free relay, 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke.
Potter is now able to take a breath of fresh air and reflect on his career.
“I’ll probably just remember hanging out with and making new friends over the years,” Noah Potter said.
The 18-year old plans to study biochemistry in college and currently sits on the fence on whether he wants to continue his swimming career in college.
