Campbell McKean pauses for a portrait in the pool at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center in Bend last year. (Joe Kline/Bulletin file)

While his classmates were receiving their diplomas on the Caldera High School football field in Bend on Thursday night, Campbell McKean was busy elsewhere.

He missed his graduation in order to compete at the U.S. Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, and it was certainly the right call.

McKean won the 50-meter breaststroke at the Indiana University Natatorium on Thursday night, edging veteran and former Olympic champion Michael Andrew. McKean’s time was 26.90 seconds, with Andrew following in 26.92.

On Friday night, McKean followed up with a resounding win in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 58.96, the No. 2 time in the world this year and a 17-18 national age-group record. It makes McKean the fastest ever 100 breaststroker who was 18 or younger.

The victories earned McKean a trip with Team USA to this summer’s World Championships in Singapore, and he is now the fifth-fastest American ever in the 50 breaststroke and sixth fastest in the 100 breaststroke.

“Being able to compete for a spot on the World Championship team provided an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said McKean, who competes for Bend Swim Club. “My teammates, family and coach’s support during my career with the Bend Swim Club has given me the opportunity to represent my country.”

Bend Swim Club Coach Jim Nickell was in attendance to witness McKean’s victories in Indianapolis.

“Campbell’s dedication to improve each day was displayed during his races,” Nickell said. “It is truly an honor to watch him grow and improve each time he enters the pool.”

McKean finished sixth in the 200 breaststroke on Wednesday night.

McKean has won multiple OSAA state championships and has broken numerous Oregon records while swimming for Caldera High.

He competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials last year and is headed to the University of Texas on a swimming scholarship this fall. The Longhorns are coached by Bob Bowman, a four-time U.S. Olympic Team coach and former coach of 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.