After swimming seven state-qualifying times last season, Liberty senior Nicole Lecoq seemed destined to become the third Patriot swimmer to complete the Ironman challenge.

At the Mukilteo invite Oct. 2, she did just that. She clinched the honor when she swam a state time in the 100 breaststroke.

“I was overjoyed,” Lecoq said. “I sort of surprised myself because I didn’t want to get my hopes up thinking I would get it. I was just ecstatic.”

The Ironman means a swimmer earns state times in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyle races, plus the 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley.

As a junior last year Lecoq qualified for state in every event except the 100 fly. She went on to take two Top 5 finishes at the 3A state meet.

Lecoq, who also swims for the Issaquah Swim Team, would like to compete in swimming next year at college. She listed Whitworth and Linfield as her two top options.

Lecoq holds Liberty team records in the 100 free, 500 free and 400 free relay (along with Mackenzie Maynes, Michela Lecoq and Elise Tinseth).