Janet Hu
High School
Born Dec. 7, 1995 Janet Hu is an elite sprinter from Vienna, Va. Standing 5’9″ Hu specializes in butterfly, backstroke and butterfly. She graduated from Oakton High School, where she was named the 2011-2012 All Met Swimmer of the Year. Hu technically was the fastest high school swimmer to ever compete in the 50 freestyle, swimming a 21.82; however, she did not break 22 within a high school competition. Hu didn’t waste much time when deciding on college either – she committed to Stanford coach, Greg Meehan, on July 1, 2013.
Stanford University
2014-2015
As a freshman Hu finished in the top eight in all three of her individual events at the Pac-12 Championships. She qualified for the NCAA Championships and she finished 29th in the 50 freestyle, was a member of the runner-up 200 freestyle relay, 11th in the 100 butterfly, 23rd in the 200 butterfly, and was a member of the American-record setting 400 freestyle relay.
2015-2016
Hu continued her growth at Stanford through her sophomore year, showing her versatility and contributing in many different assets throughout the year. She qualified for the 2016 NCAA’s again, but this time she swam the 100 back, 100 fly, and 200 back individually. She went best times in all 3 events, placing 4th in the 100 fly (51.03), 5th in the 100 back (51.06), and 10th in the 200 back (1:52.22). She also played a key part in Stanford’s 400 free relay (4th) as well as the 200 and 400 medley relays, which each won national titles.
2016-2017
The upward trend continued for Janet into her junior year, as her in season times were consistently faster than the previous years. By the time she got to PAC-12’s, she appeared to be in top form. She was a part of 4 PAC-12 champion relays (200 & 400 free, 200 & 400 medley) and scored a 2nd place in the 200 back with a best time of 1:49.36, as well as placing 3rd in the 100 back (50.29) and 100 fly (50.38). She continued her success at the 2017 NCAA’s, where she placed 6th in the 100 fly (50.81), 5th in the 100 back (50.73), as well as 15th in the 200 back (1:52.13). She again played an integral role in the Stanford relays, and swam on the same 4 as PAC-12’s, this time garnering national titles in the 400 free and medley relays, placing 2nd in the 200 free relay, and 3rd in the 200 medley relay. This effort, along with the rest of the team, culminated in a national team title for Stanford.
National Competition
Hu broke her first National Age Group record at just 12 years old, and continually made headlines after. She most recently joined up with her Nation’s Capital teammates, including Stanford commit Katie Ledecky, to break the NAG record in the 800 freestyle relay. At the NCSA Nationals, Hu broke the 200 butterfly NAG record holder previously held by Stanford Cardinal, Elaine Breeden.
Hu was a member of USA Swimming’s National Junior Team, and qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials.
