Congratulations to our Nitro Olympic Trials Team that competed in Omaha last week. The members of our team and some results are listed below. USA Swimming has made Olympic Trials into an event not just a meet and it is such a special experience that i wish on all our swimmers. We had 2 athletes at the 2008 Trials, 9 athletes at 2012 Trials and I hope we at least double that for the 2016 Rio Olympic Trials. I am sure most saw some on tv and many came and cheered in person as well which was awesome. The experience our athletes had was amazing though and is truly hard to describe. Words and phrases like patriotism, energy, crowd noise, pressure, intensity, electricity, fun and fastest meet in the world all ring true. I could not have been any more proud of the way our swimmers competed and represented Nitro both in and out of the pool and likewise the amount of Nitro families in Omaha to cheer the swimmers on and revel in the experience that was our 2012 US Olympic Trials! Here are some of the highlights:
Nitro 2012 US Olympic Trials Team: Quinn Carrozza, Maddie Edwards, Matt Ellis, Zach Gunn, Annika Jonsson ( also represented USC ), Megan Latone ( also represented Texas A&M ), William Licon, Manny Mendoza, and Megan Onstott.
Matt Ellis-12th place ( semi finals ) in the 100 free with a 49.44. This is the second fastest time in 18 and under history behind Michael Phelps and Matt was the only swimmer under the age of 24 in the semi finals in this event. Matt also placed 14th in the 100 fly with a time of 53.26 which is the 9th fastest 18 and under time in history.
Quinn Carrozza– 15th place ( semi finals ) in the 200 back with a 2:13.49. This time is a top 25 time in 15-16 history. Quinn also placed 38th in the 100 back with a 1:03.03 a top 50 all time 15-16 time.
William Licon– 19th place in the 200 breast with a 2:14.34 which is the 8th fastest time in 18 and under history. William also placed 39th in the 100 breast with a 1:03.13 which is 31st in all time 18 and under history.
Also of note was that Maddie Edwards went into the meet seeded 150th in the 200 back and with her best time of 2:16.43 moved up to 53rd place!
Quinn Carrozza set a team record in the 100 back
Matt Ellis set team records in both the 100 free and 100 fly
William Licon set team records in the 100 breast ( tie with Zach Gunn ) and 200 breast
I know a few of these times set LSC and State records as well—have not had time to delve into those yet.
Not a perfect meet but definitely a great meet under the pressure conditions and tough environment Olympic Trials. Nitro definitely had one of the best club meets for 18 and unders in a landscape dominated by professionals and post grads. We could not be more proud of our swimmers!
Also want to thank Kevin McHorse ( our team PT ) who came to Omaha and filled about every role possible and really helped in the success of our meet!
Another thank you goes to Dr. G ( Genadjius Sokolovas ) who tested our swimmers lacate levels after their races and gave them race feedback
Lastly congratulations to Matt Ellis and William Licon for qualifying for the 2012 Jr Pan Pacific Games this summer in Honolulu, Hawaii. They did this by being a top 2 18 and under in their events. Matt qualified first in the 100 free and 100 fly and William was first in the 100 breast and 2nd in the 200 breast.
