Submitted photo: Iowa Central national champion Magali Mouton.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Magali Mouton became the first female swimmer from Iowa Central to claim a national title.

Mouton captured the 50 breaststroke here Wednesday on the first day of the NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.

After going 30.61 in the prelims to record the fastest time, Mouton went 29.99 to set a new school record. She entered the meet with the fourth-best time in the event and also boasts some of the quickest swims in the 100 and 200 breaststrokes.

“It’s a mixed feeling right now,” Mouton said. “I was ready mentally to win or lose. I’ve been training hard this whole year and I didn’t know what to expect. I was scared, but I kept hoping that it could be me.

“When I touched the wall and it was, I was surprised and happy. It is a unique and magical moment. I won’t ever forget it.”

Mouton is the fifth individual national champion for the Tritons, with all of them coming since 2019. They have also claimed two relay titles.

Along with her gold medal, Mouton was also seventh in the 200 individual medley in 2:16.40.

“We had a great first day of nationals,” Iowa Central head coach Joe Plane said. “Nearly every swim was a season and lifetime best. We broke two school records and just missed breaking the men’s 800 freestyle relay record by 0.05. After winning six national championships the last two years, it’s so special to get our first women’s national champion with Magali’s swim.

“We still have more work to do, but we’re happy with how we’ve started.”

Johnathon Turner opened his meet with a runner-up finish in the 50 freestyle, clocking a time of 20.76. The men’s 800 free relay went 6:53.04 to grab a silver behind Gerard Ijspeert, Kyle McKenzie, Brady Ferguson and Tjeerd Van Stein.

Drew Giles was third in the 50 breaststroke in 25.74 and McKenzie set a new school record in the 200 individual medley, placing fourth in 1:51.54.

Dylan Jones was fifth in the 50 breaststroke in 26.27 with Van Stein placing sixth in the 50 free (21.01) and Andrew Iverson the same in the 1,000 free (9:45.26). Ramiro Liceaga was seventh in the 50 breaststroke (27.04) and Ijspeert added a ninth in the 1,000 free (9:57.51).

The women’s 800 free relay of Penny Lawrence, Haley Snawerdt, Lexi Mast and Saige Knight took third in 8:38.64 with Shannon Murphy adding a fifth in the 50 breaststroke (30.97) and Lily Wright the same in the 200 individual medley (2:12.19).

Lawrence was seventh in the 1,000 free (11:39.77) and Emily Small seventh in the 50 free (25.77).

Swimming continues here through Saturday.