LebCo Athlete of the Week: Jomar Hidalgo (Week Ending February 9, 2024)

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Jomar Hidalgo

While most Lebanon High School freshmen are looking for the mythical third-floor pool, Jomar Hidalgo was setting records in an actual pool, earning him a trip to the PIAA State Championships last year. This season, he is poised to build on that experience. Hidalgo earned two medals at the Lancaster Lebanon League Championships. In the 100-yard backstroke, the sophomore won silver with a time of 51.37. At the meet, he added a bronze in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 1:57.7. Following this outstanding performance, Hildalgo was voted as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.

While Hidalgo would have liked to win gold, he was pleased with his performances, which allowed him to bring home two shiny medals. He told LebCoSports.com, “Even though I didn’t win leagues, I am happy with my performance because my times this year would have won the last two years, and the kids that beat me set the meet records in both events.”

After going to States in 2024, Hidalgo entered this season with specific goals in mind, in both the physical and mental aspects of the sport of swimming. An insightful Hildalgo said, “This season, I have been attempting to improve not only my physical performance but also mentally. During my journey throughout this year, I have not been in the best shape in both aspects. However, even if I have not been feeling the best, I have learned that if I try my best, even on my worst days, it will ultimately lead me to success in the long run.”

That hard work, even on the toughest days is beginning to show that it is paying off for Hidalgo. Though, for Hidalgo and his family, the challenges for him becoming a championship swimmer have been much greater given the limited access to pools in the area, specifically living in an urban district. That said, there have been many sacrifices made to get Hidalgo to where he is at this juncture of his competitive career.

For those who have been following his career, this level of success is not a shock. Hidalgo was well-established on the Junior Olympic scene for a number of years, earning the High Point Award. Along the way, he even broke a 43-year-old Pennsylvania record.

Now that Hidalgo is swimming at the varsity level, he has continued to impress.

Lebanon swim coach Anthony Hain-Shipkowski said of Hidalgo’s progression: “Jomar has already eclipsed or come close to beating his times from last year’s State meet. This an awesome feat and something coaches and athletes hope to do every year.”

Hidalgo watched his older brother Carlos Hidalgo excel in the pool on his way to winning silver and bronze at the 2023 PIAA Swim Championships. He also watched teammate Will Parker medal each of the last two years. Both young men are now competing at the NCAA Division 1 level for Saint Bonaventure. Hidalgo has set a goal to join them someday to compete at the highest level of the collegiate ranks.

While much of the focus was on the elder brother, their sister Carla was also a medalist at this year’s LL League Championships. Seeing his two older siblings compete has helped the younger brother’s development. Hidalgo said of this bond: “I want to thank Carlos for being an inspiration and Carla for supporting me.”

In regard to support, Hidalgo also had two other people to thank. First, he expressed gratitude to his mother for getting him to practice “even when I didn’t want to.” He also thanked Coach Malafronte for helping him through a tough period of his training.

Hidalgo approaches other aspects of his life the same way he approaches swimming, allowing him to succeed in multiple areas. He considers himself to be a serious student who likes to keep his grades “consistently high”. He is also a first degree black belt in Taekwondo and can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under ten seconds.

For now, Hidalgo’s focus is on making another run at States, beginning with this weekend’s District 3 Championships. He will enter Districts as the #3-seed in the 100-yard backstroke and the #6-seed in the 200-yard IM. However, Hidalgo knows that his past performances don’t mean much when it comes time to race. That simple fact is why he will be ready.

We wish Hidalgo all the best at Districts as he attempts to get onto the podium and reserve his starting blocks at the PIAA State Championships.

Photo for this article were provided courtesy the Hidalgo Family

2025 League Swimming Championships: LebCo Results

Congrats to our other most recent LebCo Athlete of the Week Elaina Potter

For a full list of recent nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: February 3 – 9

Previous Winners

Jason Foutz (Week of December 2nd)

Robert Santiago (Week of December 9th)

Kane Kline (Holidays)

Aaron Seidel (Week of January 6th)

Elisha Slabach (Week of January 13th)

Karter Adams (Week of January 20th)

RJ Young (Week of January 27th)