OBX Senior Games Team Won State Swim Title
The OBX team secured first place in Raleigh on September 19, 2026, with every team member earning at least one medal.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Swimming
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The OBX Senior Games swim team dominated the competition at the State Senior Games swim meet held in Raleigh on September 19, 2026. All 22 team members secured at least one medal during the event.
Why it matters
The victory highlights the high level of competitive performance among North Carolina senior athletes, with top finishers now looking toward national qualification. The event showcased strong regional talent across 36 participating teams.
The OBX team finished with 736 points, outscoring Mecklenburg County, Wake County, Cleveland County, and Guilford County. Among the 36 competing teams, OBX saw all 22 of its swimmers medal, including Charlie Irwin, who won four gold medals at age 95.
The players
Catherine Blackwood
She is a standout athlete who set two state meet records in backstroke events during the competition.
Charlie Irwin
He is a 95-year-old swimmer who achieved gold in four separate events at the state meet.
The details
Team members refined their techniques through Sunday organized practices and independent training sessions held at the Nags Head YMCA or in the ocean. Notable individual performances included Catherine Blackwood, who established two state meet records in backstroke events.
Timeline
The state meet was held in Raleigh on September 19, 2026.
The National Senior Games meet is scheduled for Summer 2027 in Tulsa.
Season Trajectory
The performance in Raleigh positions the OBX team as a strong contender heading into the 2027 national competition cycle. This win elevates the standing of North Carolina regional teams relative to the national qualifying benchmarks set by the National Senior Games Association.
The top three finishers in each event earned a qualification spot for the National Senior Games in Tulsa. With every member of the 22-person OBX team earning a medal, the squad demonstrates high depth heading into the national selection process.
The takeaway
The team's success demonstrates that consistent preparation, whether through organized group sessions or independent workouts, drives competitive success at any age. Seniors looking to compete can use these results as a benchmark for training intensity and commitment levels.
What happens next
The top three finishers from the state meet will advance to compete at the National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the summer of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local performance standards on the North Carolina Swimming page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Outer Banks Voice.
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