From the moment Paulo Mota-Neto ’27 first imagined himself at Northfield Mount Hermon and on the varsity swim team, he had a clear goal: put his name on the record board. This winter, that vision became reality.
Paulo delivered a standout season, breaking the school records in both the 50 freestyle (20.71) and 100 freestyle (45.36). The 100 free mark had stood since 1988, making his performance a historic moment for the program.
“It was an incredible feeling. More than anything, I felt grateful,” Mota-Neto said. “I always dreamed about being here and making history.”
His success was no accident. Mota-Neto’s commitment extended beyond daily practices, with extra strength training, detailed preparation, and a disciplined routine outside the pool. Just as impactful was his mindset, grounded in gratitude and belief in the process.
Head coach Tom Bloom saw both the results and the ripple effect.
“He surpassed expectations and made consistent improvements all season,” Bloom said. “More importantly, he elevated the level of the team while staying supportive of his teammates.”
In a sport often focused on individual performance, Mota-Neto’s impact was shared. His relay teammates Frank Nguyen '28, Nick Martin '26, James Wareham '26, and Alex Joo '28 also earned spots on the record board alongside him.
In a sport where races are often decided by fractions of a second, Mota-Neto’s performances stood apart, as he dropped significant time and set a new standard for the program.
For Mota-Neto, the records represent more than fast swims; they reflect years of work, belief, and a dream realized. For NMH, they mark another step forward in a program on the rise.