Ashburn, Va. — Broad Run High School senior Justin Lee has made a commitment to continue his swimming career at Boston University starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
“Swimming has always been a big part of my life and has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends,” the 6-foot-1 Lee said. “It’s very exciting, and I am very proud to have achieved one of my biggest goals [of committing to swim in college].”
Boston University was an easy choice for Lee, who found the combination of the school’s athletic and academic prowess as well as its location in the heart of downtown Boston a perfect fit for the Ashburn-native.
“I chose Boston University because of its commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics,” Lee said. “Being in the heart of the city will provide me with countless opportunities in the future.”
A lifelong swimmer, Lee is excited for the opportunity to compete for the Division I Terriers, who finished fifth at the Patriot League Swim & Dive Championships in 2020. During his 15 years at the helm of the swim program, head coach Bill Smyth has led his team to a .718 head-to-head win percentage in dual meets and has helped crown 124 individual conference champions.
“At Boston University, I hope to contribute to the team’s culture and build upon the great qualities that the team already possesses,” said Lee, who will swim the 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard breaststroke, and 50- and 100-yard freestyle events in Boston starting this winter.
Lee claimed all-state honors in all four of those events at some point throughout his high school career at Broad Run. In 2020, Lee placed second in the 100-yard freestyle and third in the 50-yard freestyle at the VHSL 4A State championships, just a year after finishing sixth in the 100-yard butterfly and seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 2019 VHSL 5A State championships. In 2020, Lee turned in the second fastest time in Loudoun in the 100-yard freestyle (46.69) as well as the third fastest times in both the 50-yard freestyle (21.25) and 100-yard butterfly (51.41), earning him his second straight first team All-LoCo award.
“Swimming for Broad Run has been an amazing four years and has provided me with so many great experiences,” said Lee, who also swims competitively for Nation’s Capital Swim Club. “I love being able to compete for my school and being a captain this year has allowed me to step up as a leader.”
Growing as a leader as well as competing with his friends is a huge driver in Lee’s success in the water.
“Training and racing with my teammates is one of the main reasons that I love the sport,” Lee said. “I can’t wait to continue swimming in college.”
