The Terrapins had a squad of 14 swimmers compete at the 2018 Winter Junior Olympic Championships in Moraga, CA, November 30th-December 2nd. The swimmers overcame frigid temperatures (mid 40’s) and rain to smash personal bests and make a ton of the championship finals (Top 10).

Local Concord resident Mason Wendler (12) had a great debut in his first Junior Olympics. Mason just joined the year round team from summer rec and is already making his presence felt. Mason made finals in 6 out of his 7 events: 50 FR (6th), 200FR (6th), 50 BK (9th), 50 BR (8th), 100IM (8th), 400IM (9th). Another local resident, Lily Streumpf, had a very impressive meet. Lily smashed 4 team records, was 6 out of 7 on best times, and made the championship final in every event: 100FR (2nd), 200FR (2nd), 500FR (1st), 50BK (1st), 100BK (3rd), 200BK (4th), 50 FL (1st).

There were several other standout swimmers that made finals in their respective age groups. Leading the 11 year old boys was Davidka Skov on his way to 7 out of 7 championship finals; 100FR (1st), 200FR (2nd), 50FL (1st), 100FL (1st), 200FL (1st), 100IM (2nd), and 400IM (2nd). Pacing the 12 year old boys was Aden Li as he was 6 out of 7 on best times and made the championships in the following: 50BK (3rd), 100BK (5th), 50FL (2nd), 100FL (2nd), 200FL (2nd). The 11 year old girls were represented by Kaya Andresen (8th in the 50BR, 9th in the 200IM) and Vlada Chekurova (4th in the 100FR, 4th in 200FR, 2nd in 500FR, 4th in 50FL, and 4th in 100FL). The 10-under boys were led by rookie sensation Kyle Stilinovich. This was Kyle’s first JO’s and he did not disappoint on his way to multiple best times and championship appearances in the following: 50FR (7th), 100FR (4th), 200FR (2nd), 50FL (10th), 100IM (5th), and 200IM (4th). Diana Chan took the reins for the 14 year old girls on her way to 4 best times and top 10 performances in: 100FR (10th), 200FR (6th), 100BK (4th), 200BK (3rd), and 200IM (7th). Two other Terrapins successfully made finals: AJ Fong (9th in 500FR and 6th in 100BK) and Sofie Curran was 5th in the 200FL.

Overall it was a great meet for the Terrapins! The kids persevered through adversity, relied on their training, and in the end rose up for some outstanding swims. Next up the team will head to Arizona for a travel meet in February 2019.