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Coral Springs swimmer shines nationally after nearly quitting sport. What to know

By Reporting by Allison Beck. Produced with AI assistance
Marcus Johnson celebrates after breaking the 100-yard breaststroke record he set earlier that day during the March 5, 2026 National Junior College Athletics Association National Championships.
Marcus Johnson celebrates after breaking the 100-yard breaststroke record he set earlier that day during the March 5, 2026 National Junior College Athletics Association National Championships. Photo by Meida Monkelis Courtesy of Marcus Johnson

Marcus Johnson, a longtime Coral Springs resident, broke two National Junior College Athletics Association swimming records at this month’s national championships after nearly walking away from the sport following a disappointing high school senior season.

He recently spoke with the Coral Springs News about his journey and his next chapter at Florida State University.

FULL STORY: Coral Springs swimmer breaks records, reflects on perseverance as student-athlete

Marcus Johnson, 19, poses for a photo at his family’s home in Coral Springs.
Marcus Johnson, 19, poses for a photo at his family’s home in Coral Springs. Allison Beck abeck@coralspringsflnews.com

Here are key takeaways:

  • Johnson set the NJCAA 100-yard breaststroke record at 51.72 seconds and the 50-yard breaststroke record at 23.81 seconds at the national championships on March 5.
  • He described feeling “shut-in” and burned out at Boca Raton High School and said he wasn’t sure he wanted to keep competing. “I was just like, I don’t really know if I want to do this anymore,” he said.
  • With encouragement from friends and family, he walked on at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, where he said he “actually found my love for sport again.”
  • Johnson and teammates Noah Smith, Zackary Gresham and Oliver Nell also broke the 400-yard medley relay record, helping Indian River win its 52nd NJCAA national title.
  • Named the 2025-26 NJCAA Male Swimmer of the Year, Johnson plans to compete as a Division I swimmer at FSU, where he will study sports nutrition. He’s also considering trying out for the Swedish national team through dual citizenship from his mother.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

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