By Madison Shaw
Originally published in the Left Hand Valley Courier on April 29, 2026.
Niwot High School senior and Silver Creek swimmer Lincoln Miller. (Photo Courtesy of Lincoln Miller)
Lincoln Miller has spent years in the water, but his senior season for the Silver Creek High School districtwide boys swim and dive team is shaping up to be something more.
With just weeks left in his high school career, the Niwot High School senior is closing in on the Silver Creek 500-yard freestyle record, which Tyler Lis has held since 2013.
Miller is already within reach. His current high school best sits about a second off the record of 4:44.14, and after dropping significant time over the past year, he knows it is possible.
"I plan on coming into state and breaking that team record," Miller said.
Competing for the Silver Creek High School swim and dive team, Miller has spent his high school career representing athletes from across the district.
"It's been a little sad not getting to represent Niwot, but getting to swim with so many great people across the district more than makes up for it," Miller said. "It also makes the team really strong."
Miller first took to the water through summer league when he was around eight years old, drawn in by the environment as much as the competition.
"I stuck with it because I really enjoy being with friends and in the water," he said.
That balance is still what drives him now. While the training has become more intense, the core of why he swims has not changed.
"For me, I enjoy being able to push myself and grow with people I care about," Miller said.
That mindset has helped shape his senior season, which has already included a major milestone. Miller broke the Boulder County Community Center pool record in the 500-yard freestyle, a record that previously belonged to a former teammate.
It is another sign that everything is trending in the right direction as he builds toward the final meets of the year.
The 500-yard freestyle has become Miller's signature event, and it is not by accident.
"It is one of the long events, so it really gives you time to focus and perform your best," he said. "It also gives you space to correct your mistakes."
That level of focus shows up before he even steps on the blocks. Miller approaches each meet with a clear plan, visualizing exactly how he wants his races to unfold.
"I like preparing for a meet by visualizing the events that I will be swimming and exactly how I want to swim them," he said. "I also like to warm up in the lanes that I will be swimming in so I know exactly what to expect."
It is a routine built on discipline, something he has developed through years of consistent work.
"Swimming has taught me how to mentally and physically push through difficult things and how hard work always makes a difference," Miller said.
That work has also helped him step into a leadership role this season. As a senior, he has taken on the responsibility of guiding younger swimmers, both in practice and at meets.
"It has been a lot of fun being a team leader this year," Miller said. "Helping at practice and meets and being a role model to all of the younger athletes."
His message to them is simple.
"I want younger swimmers to understand that they can accomplish anything with hard work and a good mindset, and to take their time and not rush the process," he said.
Now, with the postseason approaching, Miller is focused on finishing strong. The final stretch of the season carries a mix of emotions, but his goal stays clear.
"This final stretch of the season is a little bittersweet, but I am not taking my eye off the ball," he said.
Outside of the pool, Miller keeps things relatively simple. Swimming takes up most of his time, although he enjoys AP Literature, crediting his teacher, Mrs. Longo, for making the class engaging.
Looking ahead, he plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study business, with hopes of continuing to swim while also exploring new opportunities.
Before he leaves, though, there is still one goal left to chase.
If everything falls into place, Miller will not just finish his senior season strong. He will leave behind a record that has been waiting to be broken.
And as he reflects on his time in the sport, he made sure to recognize the people who helped him get there.
"I want to thank my high school coach, Debbie Stewart, for being an amazing coach for all four years of my high school career," Miller said. "She's helped me enjoy all the amazing parts of swimming."
Miller's final chance to make history will come at the Class 4A State Championships on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, at the Arvada Aquatic Center.
