James Wood Star Swimmer Bound for International Stage in London

James Wood High School senior Joe Warnagiris is heading to London. After a standout performance at the National Club Swimming Association’s Spring Championship in Orlando, Fla., the decorated swimmer was selected to represent the United States at the 2025 AP Race International Competition in England.

Warnagiris, 17, earned the invitation after placing sixth in the 200-yard individual medley (IM) with a time of 1:48.88—nearly a full second faster than his time at the Virginia Class 4 state meet in March. While only the top two finishers in each event were guaranteed spots, several swimmers ahead of Warnagiris had already qualified in other events or declined their invitation. That opened the door for Warnagiris to join the elite roster.

He will travel with a select group of 26 men and 26 women as part of the official NCSA team representing the U.S. in London from May 18 to 27, 2025. The international event will mark his first time competing abroad and serve as a major milestone in his swimming career, which began when he joined the Winchester Swim Team at age 5.

The invitation came weeks after Warnagiris concluded a historic high school season by setting a Virginia Class 4 state record in the 100-yard breaststroke (55.48 seconds) and capturing his fourth career state title. He also won the 200 IM at the state meet with a commanding lead of more than four seconds.

This year, Warnagiris led all local swimmers in six events and helped his James Wood team place 10th among 28 scoring teams at states despite fielding only five swimmers. For the third year in a row, he was named The Winchester Star’s Boys’ Swimmer of the Year.

Though he’s been lauded for his accomplishments in the pool, Warnagiris says the team bonds, shared challenges, and personal growth have meant the most throughout his journey. His dedication, discipline, and leadership have made him a standout within the James Wood and Winchester Swim Team communities.

After graduating this spring, Warnagiris will take a gap year before starting at the University of Missouri on a swimming scholarship in fall 2026. Until then, his focus is on preparing for international competition and continuing to train with WST, a program he credits with shaping his athletic career and personal development.