32 Years Later, PHS Swimmer Devin Guardino Breaks Uncle's Swim Record

Over three decades after Chris Horton set the swim record for the 100 yard butterfly in 1984, Horton’s nephew, Peekskill High School senior Devin Guardino has staked claim to the new record by finishing the race with a time of 56.75, narrowly trumping his uncle’s time of 56.91 by only fractions of a second.

The swim record was set by Horton in the old swimming pool at what was then known as the Peekskill Military Academy Building, (now known as the Ford Administration Building). Horton, who had been swimming since he was in eighth grade, was in his senior year at the time of his accomplishment.

“I was on a great team and I had great support,” Horton recalls of his time on the PHS swim team. “Swimming was my passion. It still is. I can always feel it. I don’t swim any longer, but it was something that I always loved to do and I always loved getting back in the pool. The whole experience, not just breaking the record, but being on the team and swimming competitively, it was great. I really enjoyed it and I miss it a lot.”

Much like his uncle, Guardino found his love for swimming at an early age and has been on Peekskill’s Varsity Swim team since he was in seventh grade. Guardino broke Horton’s record on January 30 at the Boys’ Swimming Divisionals, where he competed against swimmers from Beacon, Lakeland/Panas, and Wappingers Falls in the pool at Peekskill Middle School. The event was Guardino’s second to last swim meet of his high school career.

In addition to breaking Horton’s record in the 100 yard butterfly at Divisionals, Guardino took first place in the 100 yard backstroke as well, scoring 40 points in each race, which is the highest score possible. He also broke the individual school record for the 100 backstroke and was part of three record breaking relay teams: the 200 yard Medley Relay, the 200 yard Freestyle Relay and the 400 yard Freestyle Relay.

“I actually didn’t expect to get the record,” Guardino said. “I’ve been swimming for four years and I hadn’t had any individual records. I had one relay record, but it was taken not long after I set it. I knew I was a couple of seconds off from breaking any records, but during my race that day I was just really focused on getting the best place to get the points for my team, and it happened. When I hit the wall I was neck and neck with the other kid and I think that pushed me over to break time. I was so tired I didn’t even notice until I looked up and saw my mom screaming in the background and then I knew I broke the record.”

Guardino’s mother, Yolanda Guardino, recalls the excitement of watching her son make Peekskill history.

“We hadn't really thought about Devin breaking the record that day,” Ms. Guardino said. “He was predicted to come in third place because two other swimmers had faster times than him. I was more concerned with him maintaining that third place spot because that would most likely ensure him All League. From the start, he was in first place and kept the momentum the entire race. It was very exciting to watch. It wasn't until the race was over and the cheering stopped before my friend leaned over and asked me if he broke the record. I checked the time and realized he did.”

Looking back on the day, Guardino noted that he was happy to have been the one to succeed Horton as the new record holder.

“I was really overwhelmed when it happened,” Guardino said. “I think it’s awesome and I think it’s great that we kept the record in the family. There’s a lot of up and coming swimmers, so I’m just happy that I was the one to be able to break it.”

Horton shared Guardino’s sentiments and was equally excited about his nephew’s accomplishments.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Horton said. “I mean, records are there to be broken and it’s great that Devin was the one to break mine. I know his mom and dad are really proud of him, and I’m really proud of him. To have the record kept in the family is very unique.”

Guardino said that the support he has received from his family throughout his swim career has been instrumental to his success.

“My whole family was a great support group, from my mom and dad, to my cousins and aunts, and Uncle Chris…they all came to my swim meets,” Guardino said. “It was a great family atmosphere and it helped me improve over the years.”

Mrs. Guardio further expressed her pride for her son, noting that his talent for swimming has always seemed to come naturally to him.

“I've always been proud of his swim accomplishments and how it seems so effortless for him,” Mrs. Guardino said. “I'm looking forward to watching him swim in college next year.”

Devin Guardino will be graduating with the Peekskill High School Class of 2016 this June. While still undecided as to which college he will attend, Guardino hopes to major in political science or pre-law.

PHOTO: Chris Horton accepts his score board plates from new swim record holder Devin Guardino at the PCSD Winter Sports Awards Dinner which was held on March 4.