SOFLO Swimmers Dominate FIU Spring LCM Invite Opening Day

By Sharon Robb
MIAMI, May 12, 2024—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers were more than ready to race Saturday at the FIU Spring Long Course Meters Invite at FIU Aquatic Center.

SOFLO girls swept the top three places in the 10-and-under and 11-12 200-meter freestyle; 15-16 200-meter butterfly; 11-12 400-meter freestyle; 11-12 100-meter backstroke; and 13-14 and 15-16 400-meter individual medley.

SOFLO boys swept the top three spots in the 11-12 50-meter breaststroke.

Among girls’ winners were:
Sarah Naranjo, 10-and-under 200-meter freestyle 3:08.30.

Christie Ann Lumsden, 11-12 200-meter freestyle 2:27.83; 100-meter backstroke 1:20.47.

Laila Harran, 13-14 200-meter freestyle, 2:16.82; 400-meter individual medley 5:31.96.

Carley Kaplan, 15-16 200-meter freestyle 2:16.81; 100-meter breaststroke 1:23.67; 400-meter individual medley 5:25.13.

Ellie Phan, 10-and-under 50-meter breaststroke, 48.64, time drop 2.66; 400-meter freestyle 6:06.93.

Eva Ortiz, 11-12 100-meter butterfly 1:18.37, time drop 3.14.

Saree Young, 13-14 200-meter butterfly, 3:03.72.

Varvara Dmitrova, 11-12 400-meter freestyle, 5:19.77, time drop 11.29.

Dalyah Bouti, 10-and-under 100-meter backstroke 1:34.88.

Jemma Baldwin, 13-14 200-meter backstroke, 2:38.37, time drop 8.03.

Among boys’ winners were:
Ethan Phan, 11-12 50-meter breaststroke, 42.86, time drop 3.32.

Mason Jimenez, 15-16 200-meter butterfly, 2:44.42; 200-meter backstroke, 2:33.57, time drop 2.09.

Ollie Bendoym, 10-and-under 100-meter backstroke 1:33.27.

Michael Barber, 11-12 100-meter backstroke 1:26.29, time drop 2:41.

Felix Gonzalez, 17-and-over, 200-meter backstroke 2:28.69, time drop 7.37.

Noah Mejias, 13-14 400-meter individual medley, 5:18.23, time drop 6.57.

In addition to SOFLO, other Florida Gold Coast teams competing are Atlantis Swimming Club, Florida Atlantic Aquatics, Golden Panther Aquatics, Miami Country Day Aquatics, Olympus Swimming Club, Speed World Swimming, Swim Gym, Warrior Aquatic Club and YMCA of South Florida.

The two-day meet concludes on Sunday beginning 9 a.m.

SESSION ONE
GIRLS
200-meter freestyle:
10-and-uder, 1. Sarah Naranjo, SOFLO 3:08.30, 2. Vela Rivera, SOFLO 3:13.96, time drop 7.26, 3. Ivy Acosta, SOFLO 3:14.35.
11-12, 1. Christie Ann Lumsden, SOFLO 2:27.83, 2. Eva Ortiz, SOFLO 2:30.48, time drop 1.06, 3. Kalen Iino, SOFLO 2:32.11, time drop 9.32.
13-14, 1. Laila Harran, SOFLO 2:16.82, 2. Rose Seniuk, YSF 2:26.12, 3. Ella Johnston, YSF 2:26.63.
15-16, 1. Carley Kaplan, SOFLO 2:16.81, 2. Amelie Bicerne, SOFLO 2:33.62, 3. Anais Gedeon, OSC 2:34.03.
17-and-over, 1. Harliari Courthoys-Davies, GPA 2:08.95, 2. Corina Wong, YSF 2:19.47, 3. Jade Renaud, YSF 2:23.54.

50-meter breaststroke:
10-and-under, 1. Ellie Phan, SOFLO 48.64, time drop 2.66, 2. Victoria Colmenares, SOFLO 48.65, time drop 1.33, 3. Laila Dunlap, MCDA 49.09.
11-12, 1 Guadalupe Seeber Rodriguez, YSF 41.37, 2. Eva Milevska, YSF 41.92, 3. Valentina Kotoric, OSC 45.57.

100-meter breaststroke:
13-14, 1. Addison Scott, YSF 1:21.86, 2. Sofia Gomez, SOFLO 1:30.84, 3. Isabella Callaway Coy, SOFLO 1:32.31.
15-16, 1. Carley Kaplan, SOFLO 1:23.67, 2. Katja Milevska, YSF 1:29.72, 3. Sara Mendoza, YSF 1:32.52.
17-and-over, 1. Ingrid Huszar, GPA 1:16.75, 2. Emma Becker, GPA 1:20.52, 3. Ellie Maradyn, GPA 1:21.49.

100-meter butterfly:
10-and-under, 1. Laila Dunlap, MCDA 1:36.87, 2. Vela Rivera, SOFLO 1:53.79.
11-12, 1. Eva Ortiz, SOFLO 1:18.37, time drop 3.14, 2. Eva Milevska, YSF 1:20.87, 3. Varvara Dmitrova, SOFLO 1:21.21, time drop 5.04.

200-meter butterfly:
13-14, 1. Saree Young, SOFLO 3:03.72.
15-16, 1. Isabella Montes, SOFLO 2:49.37, 2. Sarah Vasquez, SOFLO 2:54.55, time drop 3.76.
17-and-over, None.

50-meter freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Valentina Zueta, MCDA 25.73, 2. Laila Dunlap, MCDA 35.37, 3. Dalyah Bouti, SOFLO 36.68, time drop 0.59, 4. Victoria Colmenares, SOFLO 37.00, time drop 1.28.
11-12, 1. Zoe Barreto, OSC 31.30, 2. Paige Fleming, SOFLO 32.04, time drop 4.21, 3. Guadalupe Seeber Rodriguez, YSF 32.75.
13-14, 1. Ella Johnston, YSF 29.88, 2. Jemma Baldwin, SOFLO 30.30, time drop 0.52, 3. Addison Scott, YSF 30.70, 4. Maryella Baker, SOFLO 31.48, time drop 0.03.
15-16, 1. Anais Gedeon, OSC 28.92, 2. Sara Mendoza, YSF 31.73, 3. Camila Santaella, OSC 31.92.
17-and-over, 1. Jessica Shpilko, GPA 27.38, 2. Harliai Curthoys-Davies, GPA 28.04, 3. Emma Becker, GPA 29.55.

400-meter freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Ellie Phan, SOFLO 6:06.93, 2. Lauren Diaz, SWS 7:51.26.
11-12, 1. Varvara Dmitrova, SOFLO 5:19.77, time drop 11.29, 2. Paige Fleming, SOFLO 5:36.32, 3. Stephania Dmitrova, SOFLO 5:36.81, time drop 7.01.

100-meter backstroke:
10-and-under, 1. Dalyah Bouti, SOFLO 1:34.88, 2. Molly Barber, SOFLO 1:36.95, time drop 1.54, 3. Kiara Nunez, YSF 1:41.39, 4. Maya Barrizonte, SOFLO 1:42.49, time drop 5.34.
11-12, 1. Christie Ann Lumsden, SOFLO 1:20.47, 2. Eva Ortiz, SOFLO 1:21.38, time drop 2.00, 3. Varvara Dmitrova, SOFLO 1:23.12, time drop 0.40, 4. Karen Iino, SOFLO 1:25.20, time drop 2.89.

200-meter backstroke:
13-14, 1. Jemma Baldwin, SOFLO 2:38.37, time drop 8.03, 2. Angelica Forsyth, SOFLO 2:48.12, 3. Olive Jones-Torres, YSF 2:52.33.
15-16, 1. Sofia Sanabria, SWS 3:10.45.
17-and-over, 1. Anelis Roque, GPA 2:35.68, 2. Jade Renaud, YSF 2:49.72.

400-meter individual medley:
13-14, 1. Laila Harran, SOFLO 5:31.96, 2. Jemma Baldwin, SOFLO 5:41.03, time drop 2.21, 3. Isabella Callaway Coy, SOFLO 6:06.80.
15-16, 1. Carley Kaplan, SOFLO 5:25.13, 2. Sarah Vasquez, SOFLO 5:48.27, 3. Amelie Bicerne, SOFLO 5:56.47, time drop 7.69.
17-and-over, 1. Ellie Maradyn, GPA 5:22.01, 2. Claudia Ashford, OSC 5:26.05, 3. Kendra Hiigel, YSF 5:45.94.

BOYS
200-meter freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Stephano Villalobos, FAA 2:40.30, 2. Ollie Bendoym, SOFLO 2:56.78, 3. Mateo Naranjo, SOFLO 3:31.21.
11-12, 1. Luis Felipe Quingtuna, YSF 2:18.50, 2. Sean Tee, SOFLO 2:32.25, time drop 4.82, 3. Ethan Phan, SOFLO 2:33.28, time drop 15.87.
13-14, 1. Jack Morrison, FAA 2:09.98, 2. Manuel Arencibia, YSF 2:15.40, 3. Liam Fothergill, YSF 2:16.34.
15-16, 1. Joshua Barreto, OSC 2:07.00, 2. Guillermo Reboredo, YSF 2:10.49, 3. Christian King, FAA 2:18.03.
17-and-over, 1. Sauod Alshamroukh, UN 1:57.21 2. Felix Gonzalez, SOFLO 2:08.50, 3. Stephen Kim, SOFLO 2:15.75.

50-meter breaststroke:
10-and-under, 1. Mason Ochoa, ASC 51.66, 2. Santiago Zuluaga, SOFLO 51.95, time drop 4.83, 3. Pablo Hernandez Sanchez, ASC 54.48.
11-12, 1. Ethan Phan, SOFLO 42.86, time drop 3.32, 2. Toma Petkov, SOFLO 42.98, time drop 0.42, 3. Leonardo Zuluaga, SOFLO 43.34, time drop 3.03.

100-meter breaststroke:
13-14, 1. Caleb Caponera, FAA 1:11.68, 2. Alex Diaz, YSF 1:17.03, 3. Jack Morrison, FAA 1:21.03.
15-16, 1. Guillermo Reboredo, YSF 1:17.39, 2. Dante Porchetto, MCDA 1:20.05, 3. Z Draper, SOFLO 1:21.51, time drop 1.21.51.
17-and-over, 1. Dario Martin, OSC 1:10.89, 2. Peter Roca, OSC 1:13.25, 3. Stephen Kim, SOFLO 1:16.00, 4. Felix Gonzalez, SOFLO 1:23.83, time drop 0.64.

100-meter butterfly:
10-and-under, 1. Alan Leonard, ASC 1:25.79, 2. Jayson Zayas, ASC 1:46.46.
11-12, 1. Joaquin Gomez-Liendo, FAA 1:15.30, 2. Roy Alvarez, SWS 1:18.37, 3. Bryce Powers, FAA 1:21.96.

200-meter butterfly:
13-14, 1. Caleb Caponera, FAA 2:22.52, 2. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 2:28.68, 3. Thiago Gomez-Liendo, FAA 2:35.92.
15-16, 1. Mason Jimenez, SOFLO 2:44.42.
17-and-over, None.

50-meter freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Skylar Gibson, MCDA 36.62, 2. Ardian Gjoni, SGST 37.82, 3. Luca Violante, SGST 40.03.
11-12, 1. Lucas Carrion, YSF 32.05, 2. Santiago Gonzalez-Rodriguez, SGST 33.31, 3. Michael Barber, SOFLO 33.38, time drop 0.23.
13-14, 1. Liam Fothergill, YSF 26.37, 2. Alex Diaz, YSF 26.96, 3. Adley Valdes, ASC 28.39.
15-16, 1. Joshua Barreto, OSC 26.27, 2. Dante Porchetto, MCDA 27.27, 3. Christian King, FAA 27.57.
17-and-over, 1. Peter Roca, OSC 25.94, 2. Luis Castellano, YSF 27.13, 3. Sebastian Itriago, YSF 27.42.

400-meter freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Stephano Villalobos, FAA 5:37.39, 2. Alan Leonard, ASC 5:49.61, 3. Mason Ochoa, ASC 6:03.52.
11-12, 1. Luis Felipe Quingatuna, YSF 4:51.26, 2. Joaquin Gomez-Liendo, FAA 4:59.26, 3.Bryce Powers, FAA 5:16.14, 4. Lucas Bolano, SOFLO 5:19.57, time drop 20.41.

100-meter backstroke:
10-and-under, 1. Ollie Bendoym, SOFLO 1:33.27, 2. Cameron Ives, YSF 1:36.05, 3. Ardian Gjoni, SGST 1:39.72, 4. Leo Suarez Cabrera, SOFLO 1:52.29, time drop 6.78.
11-12, 1. Michael Barber, SOFLO 1:26.29, time drop 2.41, 2. Ian Estrada, OSC 1:28.87, 3. Luis Escobar, SOFLO 1:30.74, time drop 17.01.

200-meter backstroke:
13-14, 1. Felipe Alvarez, YSF 2:29.87, 2. Dmitri Berezin, SOFLO 2:36.94, 3. Thiago Gomez-Liendo, FAA 2:38.95.
15-16, 1. Mason Jimenez, SOFLO 2:33.57, time drop 2.09, 2. Russell Meltzer, MCDA 2:37.70, 3. Adrian Sowma, SOFLO 2:52.50.
17-and-over, 1. Felix Gonzalez, SOFLO 2:28.69, time drop 7.37, 2. Julius Reus, MCDA 2:45.67.

400-meter individual medley:
13-14, 1. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 5:18.23, time drop 6.57, 2. Julian Sibug, SOFLO 5:53.43, time drop 7.09, 3. Niko Ramirez, SWS 6:03.05.
15-16, 1. Dante Porchetto, MCDA 5:23.14, 2. Luis DIaz, SWS 5:36.33, 3. Andres Arevalo Pernia, SWS 5:45.62.
17-and-over, 1. Augusto Cacers, MCDA 5:55.43.

IF YOU GO
What: FIU Spring Long Course Meters Invite

When: Sunday

Schedule: Sunday, Session II, 9 a.m., warm-up 7:30 a.m.

Where: FIU Aquatic Center, FIU Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami.

Of note: The meet is timed finals. Admission is $5 per session. There is no heat sheets sale. The information can be found on Meet Mobile. For questions call meet director Randy Horner at 504-615-7629 or email randychorner@yahoo.com.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO Swimmers Have Busy Weekend Of Swimming At Two Meets

By Sharon Robb
MIAMI, May 10, 2024—In addition to the FIU Spring Long Course Meters Invite this weekend, SOFLO is also sending swimmers to the Gulliver Summer Classic.

The two-day meet that begins Saturday features two sessions on Saturday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and again on Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Like the FIU Invite, the meet will have timed finals.

Eight Florida Gold Coast teams are entered. In addition to host Gulliver Raiders Swim Club, other teams are SOFLO, Hurricane Aquatics, Metro Aquatic Club of Miami, Miami Swimming, North Miami Swim Team, Ransom Everglades Aquatic Club and Southern Wahoos Swim Team.

SOFLO’s Lydia Smutny, 15, is seeded first in the 400-meter individual medley in 5:25.80. Jonathan Li, 12, is top seed in the 50-meter breaststroke in 37.67.

Gulliver Swim Club and Ransom Everglades dominated the top-seeded spots.

Other SOFLO swimmers competing are: Andrew Aktsipetrov, 13; Lana Althuis, 13; Liv Alvarez, 12; Isa Bartoli, 16; Clara Brandao Brito, 12; Rafael Brandao Brito, 13; Laird Galvin, 13; Camila Garcia, 11; Katelyn Gembicki, 16; KJ Gilchrist, 12; MJ Gilchrist, 10; Amanda Grubbs, 15; Ellie Jackson, 13; Matt Malaussena, 14; Didia Miccolis, 13; Niccolo Miccolis, 11; Austin Nelson, 18; Felipe Rodriguez, 16; Alexander Ross, 14; Dmitri Ross, 12; Nicolai Ross, 16; Sophie Szutkowski, 14; Izzy Wilson, 17; and Olivia Wilson, 14.

Izzy Wilson is coming off the USA Swimming Open Water National Championships in Sarasota.

IF YOU GO
What: Gulliver Summer Classic.

When: Saturday-Sunday

Where: Gulliver Prep, 6575 North Kendall Drive, Miami.

Schedule: Saturday, Session I, 9 a.m. start, 7:30 a.m. warm-up; Session II, warm-up 30 minutes after completion of Session I, meet will start 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, Session III, 9 a.m. start, 7:30 a.m. warm-up; Session IV, warm-up 30 minutes after completion of Session III, meet will start 1:30 p.m.

Of note: Admission is $5…Heat sheets can be found on line or Meet Mobile….The meet is not being scored.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO Swimmers Ready To Race At This Weekend’s FIU Spring LCM Invite

By Sharon Robb
MIAMI, May 8, 2024—-South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers will look to get in some good racing and fine tuning at this weekend’s FIU Spring Long Course Meters Invite at FIU Aquatic Center.

The meet, with several Florida Gold Coast teams in the field, will feature timed finals on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m.

Swimmers will compete in 12-and-under and 13-and-over. SOFLO top seeds are:

Christie Ann Lumsden, 12, 200 freestyle, 2:25.97.

Toma Petkov, 12, 50 breaststroke, 43.40.

Eva Ortiz, 12, 100 butterfly, 1:21.51; 100 backstroke, 1:23.38.

Michael Barber, 12, 50 freestyle, 33.61; 100 backstroke, 1:28.70.

Noah Mejias, 13, 400 IM, 5:24.80.

Mackenzie McPherson, 14, 200 IM, 2:35.41.

Valentina Remmele, 12, 50 backstroke, 40.58.

Gabriela Ekht, 12, 100 breaststroke, 1:34.34.

Jeffrey Xiong, 12, 100 breaststroke, 1:34.48.

Lucas Bolano, 12, 50 butterfly, 38.60.

Varvara Dmitrova, 12, 400 IM, 6:19.98.

Ethan Phan, 11, 400 IM, 6:19.60.

Mason Jimenez, 16, 400 freestyle, 4:35.45.

Saturday events are 12&under 200 freestyle, 13&over 200 freestyle, 12&under 50 breaststroke, 13&over 100 breaststroke, 12&under 100 butterfly, 13&over 200 butterfly, 12&under 50 freestyle, 13&over 50 freestyle, 12&under 400 freestyle, 12&under 100 backstroke, 13&over backstroke and 13&over 400 IM.

IF YOU GO
What: FIU Spring Long Course Meters Invite

When: Saturday-Sunday

Schedule: Saturday, Session 1, 9 a.m., warm-up 7:30 a.m.; Session II, 9 a.m., warm-up 7:30 a.m.

Where: FIU Aquatic Center, FIU Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami.

Of note: The meet is timed finals. Admission is $5 per session. There is no heat sheets sale. The information can be found on Meet Mobile. Disability athletes should call 305-919-4549 or reddickc@fiu.edu. For questions call meet director Randy Horner at 504-615-7629 or email randychorner@yahoo.com.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Vallmitjana Wins On Final Day Of USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale; Four SOFLO Records Broken

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 6, 2024—South Florida Aquatic Club’s Juan Vallmitjana saved his best for last at the USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Sunday at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

Less than 24 hours after finishing second in the 400-meter freestyle in a lifetime-best 3:57.98, just behind Luke Brennan, 17, of Peddie Aquatic Association in 3:57.62, the 15-year-old turned the tables on Brennan winning the 800-meter freestyle in a lifetime-best 8:11.12, shaving 10.46 seconds off his previous best 8:21.58. Brennan was second in 8:13.43.

On the final night of competition, all four boys events were won by Florida Gold Coast swimmers.

SOFLO teammate Javier Colmenares, 17, seeded fourth after morning prelims in the 200-meter individual medley, was fourth in a best time 2:09.62, with a time drop of 2.05. His previous best was 2:11.64.

Vallmitjana and Colmenares combined for four SOFLO team records. Colmenares has the 200 IM record for 17-18. Vallmitjana has the 400 freestyle record for 15-16 and 15-18; 200 freestyle for 15-16 and 800 freestyle for 15-16.

SOFLO teammate Gabriella DeLuna, 17, was 21st in the 200-meter individual medley in 2:28.79, a best time with a 0.32 time drop.

SOFLO’s Laila Harran, 14, was 22nd in the 100-meter freestyle in 59.29, just off her best of 59.27.

SUNDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Madeline Brennan, PAA 17:27.27, 2. Da’jah German, SFTL 17:38.36, 3. Melissa Geiger, GYWD 17:41.80.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Erika Pelaez, EA 54.56, 2. Aspen Gersper, SAS 56.33, 3. Blakely Hammel, EAJ 56.36; SOFLO: 22. Laila Harran 59.29; FGC: 11. Allison Kelly, JDST 58.11, 12. Emma Herrera, FAST 58.15, 14. Penelope Lopez-Casula, EA 58.66, 18. Gioia Balzano, EA 58.79, 23. Alera Hurwitz, SAS 59.78.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Erika Pelaez, EA 2:15.39, 2. Lilly Robertson, ENSW 2:18.00, 3. Ines Arnall, WEST 2:20.63; FGC: 5. Feagin Kaminksi, NPB 2:21.80.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Emerson Callis, QSTS 2:16.76, 2. Ella Gotham, BSS 2:21.91, 3. Abigail King, RAC 2:22.00; SOFLO: 21. Gabriella DeLuna 2:28.79, time drop 0.32; FGC: 5. Emma Herrera, FAST 2:23.50, 11. Addison Kent, SAS 2:25.54.

BOYS
800-meter freestyle: 1. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 8:11.12, time drop 10.46, 2. Luke Brennan, PAA 8:13.43, 3. Jack Clancy, RAC 8:25.38; FGC: 24. Mathias Esteves, GRSC 9:18.72.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Kaii Winkler, EA 50.18, 2. Enzo Solitrio, WAVE 50.94, 3. Derek Estep, KA 51.25; FGC: 4. George Gonzalez, UN 51.27, 7. Anthony Pineiro, EA 52.73, 8. Marcus Johnson, SAS 52.80, 9. Gabriel Tortola, PST 52.08, 14. Giulian Martin, CANE 53.48, 16. Alfredo Dominguez, BM 53.98, 19. William Domokos-Murphy, SAS 53.49, 23. Christian Clark, WASC 54.15.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Anthony Pineiro, EA 2:05.51, 2. Nate Thomas, RCA 2:07.09, 3. Eric Kupsky, UN 2:08.04; FGC: 4. Mathias Esteves, GRSC 2:09.86, 9. Lucas Young, CANE 2:12.44.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Giulian Martin, CANE 2:07.38, 2. Eric Kupsky, UN 2:08.25, 3. Joseph Warnagiris, WST 2:08.45; SOFLO: 4. Javier Colmenares 2:09.62; FGC: 20. Robert Alvarez, CANE 2:14.87, 23. Emihlio Reveron, EA 2:17.15.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’S Izzy Wilson Fifth In Women’s Open Water 5K National Championships

By Sharon Robb
SARASOTA, May 5, 2024—Izzy Wilson of South Florida Aquatic Club finished fifth in the USA Swimming Women’s 5K National Open Water Championship Sunday at Nathan Benderson Park.

Wilson, 18, finished the 3.1-mile race in 1 hour, 1 minute and 46 seconds.

Two days earlier, she finished the women’s 10K National Championship in 11th place in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 47 seconds.

Wilson was the only girl participant from the Florida Gold Coast competing. Last year Wilson was fifth in the women’s 7.5K race in 1:35.10.

Dylan Gravley of Sun Devil Swimming, who was third in Friday’s 10K, placed first in the men’s 5K. Japan’s Ichika Kajimoto won the women’s race in 59:05 ahead of Great Britain’s Ella Dyson in 59:19.

“The race was good,” Gravley said. “Some guys were pushing the pace and taking charge, and I like to see that. I was behind a couple of times and had to really charge and make up some ground, which wasn’t part of the plan.

“I got it done, finished first, and filled the shoes that my brother (Brennan, former U.S. National Team member) left for me. I’m happy about that and it was a wonderful day for open water racing.”

Daisy Collins of North Carlina Aquatic Club and Colin Jacobs of Sarasota Sharks won the top spots in the women’s and men’s Junior 7.5K events. Collins finished in 1:35.31 ahead of Samantha Anderson of Long Island Aquatic Club in 1:35.40.

“It was really good,” Collins said. “Around the third lap, I got dizzy but just told myself I’ve done this before so I can do it again. I put my head down and went for it.”

Jacobs finished in 1:28.23 ahead of Jackson Irwin of Sarasota Tsunami in 1:28.28.

“I’m super happy with that,” Jacobs said. “Definitely not what I was expecting, but it’s amazing that I was able to get first. The last turn, I told myself that I might as well go for it here and see what happens. I am just really happy that I was able to get the win.”

The event served as a qualifier for the USA Swimming Open Water National Team, National Junior Team, and U.S. roster for the 2024 World Aquatics Open Water Junior Championships.

USA Swimming and Sarasota Sharks are hosting the three-day event. The course layout was a 2K rectangular course.

WOMEN 5K RESULTS: 1. Ichika Kajimoto, Japan 59:05, 2. Ella Dyson, Rice Aquatics 59:19, 3. Claire Stuhlmacher, NOVA of Virginia Aquatics, Inc. 59:43. 4. Carolina Benda, Kentucky Aquatics 59:49, 5. Izzy Wilson, South Florida Aquatic Club 1:01:46.

MEN 5K RESULTS: 1. Dylan Gravley, Sun Devil Swimming 54:40, 2. Chip Wheelie Shoyat, Northern Ky. Clippers 54:54, 3. Trey Dickey, Texas A&M 54:57, 4. Taishin Minamide, Japan 55:24, 5. Gaku Watanabe, Japan 55:25.

SOURCE: USA Swimming

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Vallmitjana Takes Second In A Close One On Day Three Of USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 5, 2024—South Florida Aquatic Club’s Juan Vallmitjana finished second to highlight action at the USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Saturday at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

In the most exciting race of the night, Vallmitjana, 15, just got out-touched in the 400-meter freestyle to finish second in a lifetime-best 3:57.98, just behind Luke Brennan, 17, of Peddie Aquatic Association in 3:57.62.

Vallmitjana dropped 2.48 seconds to break 4 minutes for the first time in his young career. His previous best was 4:00.46 which he first bettered in prelims in 4:00.36. Vallmitjana and Brennan were the only swimmers in the field to dip under four minutes.

SOFLO teammate Javier Colmenares, 17, was sixth in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:22.24, also a lifetime-best time dropping 1.79 seconds. He first swam a best time in prelims in 2:23.31 and lowered it in finals. His previous best was 2:24.03.

SOFLO teammate Gabriella DeLuna, 17, was 12th in the 200-meter butterfly in 2:23.33, just off her best time of 2:23.09. She still has the 200 IM left to swim on Sunday.

SOFLO’s Laila Harran, 14, was 23rd in the 50-meter freestyle in 27.48. She swam a best time in prelims in 27.37, dropping 0.32. She was also 34th in the 100 backstroke in 1:08.78. She swims the 100 freestyle on Sunday.

Erika Pelaez and Kaii Winkler, both prepping for the U.S. Olympic Trials, were double winners for Eagle Aquatics. Pelaez, 17, won the 50 freestyle in 25.35 and 100 backstroke in 1:01.36. Winkler, 18, won the 50 freestyle in 23.16 and 100 backstroke in 56.02.

SATURDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
200-meter butterfly: 1. Emerson Callis, QSTS 2:16.44, 2. Ines Arnall, WEST 2:18.46, 3. Lucy Trailov, ENSW 2:19.17; SOFLO: 12. Gabriella DeLuna 2:23.33; FGC: 9. Jianna Amores, UN 2:19.76, 11. Feagin Kaminski, NPB 2:23.20

50-meter freestyle: 1. Erika Pelaez, EA 25.35,2. Abigail Heizer, SPAC 25.59, 3. Aspen Gersper, SAS 25.99; SOFLO: 23. Laila Harran 27.48; FGC: 6. Alyssa Bozzuto, FAST 26.21, 8. Penelope Lopez-Casula, EA 26.42, 18. Elyse Wood, EA 26.92

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Emily Santos, MVAC 2:30.22, 2. Olivia Stewart, ASL 2:36.27, 3. Abigail King, RAC 2:37.75
FGC: 6. Tessa Broedell, NPB 2:40.20, 8. Alyssa Bozzuto 2:56.88, 17. Kiera Rampersad, EA 2:45.20, 18. Sydney Cronin, SFTL 2:46.38, 21. Elyse Wood, EA 2:48.70.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Erika Pelaez, EA 1:01.36, 2. Aspen Gersper, SAS 1:02.20, 3. Lilly Robertson, ENSW 1:04.26; FGC: 8. Feagin Kaminski, NPB 1:06.10, 9. Gabia Gelumbickas, SAS 1:04.74, 14. Addison Kent, SAS 1:07.02, 22. Jianna Amores, UN 1:08.38.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Jaylee Hager, SASA 4:19.10, 2. Emma Herrera, FAST 4:19.69, 3. Anna Shnowske, 757-VA 4:19.73; FGC: 5. Allison Kelly, JDST 4:27.52, 8. Da’jah German, SFTL 4:30.81, 10. Gia Musiello, EA 4:30.49, 21. Jenesys Amores, UN 4:37.48.

BOYS
200-meter butterfly: 1. Kayden Hedrick, WAVE 2:00.38, 2. Ewan Dalyrmple, CS 2:04.25, 3. Logan Beebe, WAVE 2:05.53; FGC: 5. Anthony Pineiro, EA 2:06.32, 6. Alfredo Dominguez, BM 2:06.84.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Kaii Winkler, EA 23.16, 2. Enzo Solitario, WAVE 23.23, 3. George Gonzalez, UN 23.60; FGC: 6. Marcus Johnson, SAS 24.10, 11. Gabriel Tortola, PST 24.60, 13. Christian Clark, WASC 24.65, 17. Peyton Selts, EA 24.27, 22. Jake Kotz-Agramonte, GRSC 24.75.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Giulian Martin, CANE 2:18.58, 2. Zachary Drotar, CATO 2:19.32, 3. Daniel Listor, PAA 2:19.32; SOFLO: 6. Javier Colmenares 2:22.24, time drop 1.79; FGC: 10. Lucas Young, CANE 2:23.94, 12. Gabriel Navarro, SFTL 2:25.45, 15. Daniel Shipman, MART 2:27.03, 19. Robert Alvarez, CANE 2:27.05, 23. Troy Chesney, JDST 2:28.85.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Kaii Winkler, EA 56.02, 2. Anthony Pineiro, EA 56.87, 3. Nate Thomas, RCA 57.81; FGC: 10. Lucas Young, CANE 1:00.42, 15. Arthur Solopenkov, SAS 1:02.23, 17. Mathias Esteves, GRSC 1:02.03, 21. Connor Brinley, SAS 1:02.45, 22. Jaden Amores, UN 1:02.64.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Luke Brennan, PAA 3:57.62, 2. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 3:57.98, time drop 2.48, 3. Charlie Kulp, LIFE 4:00.60; FGC: 8. Gabriel Tortola, PST 4:14.29, 12. William Domokos-Murphy, SAS 4:07.83, 13. George Gonzalez, UN 4:08.42, 23. Mathias Esteves, GRSC 4:18.22.

IF YOU GO
What: TYR USA Swimming 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale.

When: Sunday, 9 a.m. prelims, 5 p.m. finals.

Where: Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, 501 Seabreeze Blvd.

Admission: Tickets priced at $10-$60 are available on line and at the complex. Food is available at the facility concession stand. Meet parking is limited around the venue and restricted to available public parking lots.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’S Izzy Wilson Eleventh In 10K, Swims 5K On Sunday In Open Water National Championships

By Sharon Robb
SARASOTA, May 4, 2024—Izzy Wilson of South Florida Aquatic Club was 11th among an elite 10K women’s field Friday at the Open Water National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.

Wilson, 18, finished the women’s 10K National Championship in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 47 seconds. The field featured swimmers from the U.S., Japan and France.

Katie Grimes of Sandpipers of Nevada and Axel Reymond of France won national 10K titles. Grimes won in 1:58:18 just ahead of teammate Claire Weinstein in 1:58:22.

“It was definitely fun,” Grimes said. “I felt like Claire (Weinstein) and I had really good teamwork in the first half. That was kind of the plan, to just stick together the first half and then do our own thing in the second half.

“I felt like we did a really good job. I hope we both walked away from that race with lessons learned. I know I did. I’m really excited about that race and just knowing that I can still be strong at the end.”

Puskovitch was the top-American male finisher in a close second in 1:52:21.

“That was my highest finish at Nationals, so that’s boding pretty well for the future,” he said. “I wanted to try a few new things in that race with Paris (Olympics) coming up, because that’s going to be a really fast and really competitive event. And fortunately, with my spot booked, I could afford to experiment a little bit in this race.

“I’m happy with the way it turned out. There have been a lot of hiccups and life interruptions as of late, so coming into this event and performing the way that I did today bodes really well for Paris.”

Izzy Wilson will also compete in the 5K National Championship on Sunday. Wilson is the only girl participant from the Florida Gold Coast competing. Last year Wilson was fifth in the women’s 7.5K race in 1:35.10.

University of Florida’s Anna Auld of West Palm Beach was seventh in the women’s 10K National Championship in 2:03:45.

The event is serving as a qualifier for the USA Swimming Open Water National Team, National Junior Team, and U.S. roster for the 2024 World Aquatics Open Water Junior Championships.

USA Swimming and Sarasota Sharks are hosting the three-day event. The course layout is a 2K rectangular course.

WOMEN 10K RESULTS: 1. Katie Grimes, Sandpipers of Nevada, 1:58.18, 2. Claire Weinstein, Sandpipers of Nevada 1:58.22, 3. Mariah Denigan, Indiana University, 7. Anna Auld, UF 2:03:45, 11. Izzy Wilson, SOFLO 2:04:47.

MEN 10K RESULTS: 1. Axel Reymond, France, 1:53.20; 2. Ivan Puskovitch, TSM Aquatics, 1:53.21; 3. Dylan Gravley, Sun Devil Swimming, 1:53.21.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Men’s Race 2:00 pm
Women’s Race 2:05 pm
5K National Championships
Sunday, May 5 2024
Men’s Race 7:30 am
Women’s Race 7:35 am
7.5K Junior National Championships (16-17 Age Group)
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Men’s Race 9:30 am
Women’s Race 9:35 am

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Colmenares, Vallmitjana Shine On Day Two Of USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 4, 2024—South Florida Aquatic Club’s Javier Colmenares and Juan Vallmitjana finished among the top seven against strong fields at the USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Friday at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

Colmenares, 17, was fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke in a best time 1:04.55, dropping 0.08. His previous best was 1:04.63. He was also 13th in the 400-meter individual medley in 4:43.27.

Vallmitjana, 15, was sixth in the 200-meter freestyle in 1:53.91, also a best time dropping 2.72 seconds. His previous best was 1:56.63. Vallmitjana was also seventh in the 400-meter individual medley in 4:40.01.

SOFLO teammate Gabriella DeLuna, 17, was 38th in the 100-meter butterfly in 1:06.48. She still has 200 butterfly and 200 IM left to swim.

SOFLO Laila Harran, 14, begins competing Saturday. She has the 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle to swim.

FRIDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
200-meter freestyle: 1. Erika Pelaez, EA 2:00.51, 2. Marie Landreneau, COLA 2:01.05, 3. Aspen Gersper, SAS 2:01.64; FGC: 5. Emma Herrera, FAST 2:02.55, 8. Allison Kelly, JDST 2:04.22, 18. Feagin Kaminski, NPB 2:08.30, 21. Penelope Lopez-Casula, EA 2:09.23, 23. Da’jah German, SFTL 2:10.47.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Emily Santos, MV 1:09.49, 2. Alyssa Bozzuto, FAST 1:11.24, 3. Olivia Stewart, ASL 1:11.63; FGC: 9. Kiera Rampersad, EA 1:13.80, 12. Tessa Broedell, NPB 1:14.99, 19. Elyse Wood, EA 1:16.24, 24. Lydia Wagner, LLL 1:18.50.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Erika Pelaez, EA 1:00.21, 2. Lily Archibald, RAC 1:00.40, 3. Aspen Gersper, SAS 1:01.79; FGC: 13. Jianna Amores, UN 1:03.56, 14. Feagin Kaminski, NPB 1:03.63, 22. Kiera Rampersad, EA 1:05.11.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Emerson Callis, QSTS 4:57.75, 2. Emma Herrera, FAST 5:00.59, 3. Madeline Coombs, KA 5:04.03; FGC: 4. Gio Musiello, EA 5:05.52, 14. Paige Eskra, GRSC 5:28.71, 15. Lydia Wagner, LLL 5:28.78.

BOYS
200-meter freestyle: 1. Enzo Solitario, WAVE 1:51.39, 2. Luke Brennan, PAA 1:52.30, 3. Charlie Kulp, LIFE 1:53.49; FGC: 5. Kaii Winkler, EA 1:53.87, 8. Gabriel Tortola, PST 1:56.23, 12. George Gonzalez, UN 1:55.05, 17. Alfredo Dominguez, BM 1:55.98, 18. William Domokos-Murphy, SAS 1:56.94; SOFLO: 6. Juan Vallmitjana 1:53.91, time drop 2.72.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Daniel Listor, PAA 1:04.09, 2. Giulian Martin, CANE 1:04.34, 3. Daniel Shipman, MARTR 1:04.45; SOFLO: 4. Javier Colmenares 1:04.55, time drop 0.08; FGC: 5. Lucas Young, CANE 1:04.74, 21. Marcus Johnson, SAS 1:07.54, 23. Victor Gill, SAS 1:07.72.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Kaii Winkler, EA 53.74, 2. Enzo Solitario, WAVE 54.42, 3. Kayden Hedrick, WAVE 55.47; FGC: 6. Noah Smith, FAST 56.65, 13. Alfredo Dominguez, BM 57.46, 15. Gabriel Tortola, PST 58.16, 20. Peyton Salts, EA 57.79, 23. Leonardo Lopez-Casula, EA 58.26.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Eric Kupsky, UN 4:30.87, 2. Ewan Dalrymple, CS 4:35.06, 3. Dillon Spooner, RATS 4:36.63; SOFLO: 7. Juan Vallmitjana 4:40.01, 13. Javier Colmenares 4:43.27; FGC: 17. Trey Chesney, JDST 4:46.99, 18. Oliver Cannings, GRSC 4:48.13, 19. Lucas Young, CANE 4:48.47.

IF YOU GO
What: TYR USA Swimming 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale.

When: Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. prelims, 5 p.m. finals.

Where: Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, 501 Seabreeze Blvd.

Admission: Tickets priced at $10-$60 are available on line and at the complex. Food is available at the facility concession stand. Meet parking is limited around the venue and restricted to available public parking lots.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Juan Vallmitjana Second On Day One Of USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 3, 2024—Juan Vallmitjana of South Florida Aquatic Club opened the USA Swimming TYR 18&Under Spring Cup with a second place at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

Vallmitjana, 15, a freshman at NSU University School, was second in the 1500-meter freestyle in 16:06.90. Luke Brennan of Peddie Aquatic Association won in 15:44.27.

Vallmitjana will compete in four other events: 200 freestyle, 1:56.63; 400 individual medley, 4:36.95; 400 freestyle, 4:00.46; and 800 freestyle, 8:21.58.

Lucianna Gutierrez, 16, of Westchester Aquatic Club won the 800-meter freestyle in 9:00.57.

Vallmitjana is joined by SOFLO teammates Laila Harran, Gabriella DeLuna and Javier Colmenares who compete over the next three days.

THURSDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
800-meter freestyle: 1. Lucianna Gutierrez, WEST 9:00.57, 2. Brittany Corbett, EAST 9:02.57, 3. Jane Chevalier, BAD 9:14.97; FGC: 6. Da’jah German, SFTL 9:20.12.

BOYS
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Luke Brennan, PAA 15:44.27, 2. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 16:06.90, 3. Clayton Magyar, Bolles 16:17.81; FGC: 15. William Domokos-Murphy, SAS 16:56.63.

IF YOU GO
What: TYR USA Swimming 18&Under Spring Cup Fort Lauderdale.

When: Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. prelims, 5 p.m. finals.

Where: Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, 501 Seabreeze Blvd.

Admission: Tickets priced at $10-$60 are available on line and at the complex. Food is available at the facility concession stand. Meet parking is limited around the venue and restricted to available public parking lots.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’S Izzy Wilson Headed To Open Water National Championships This Weekend

By Sharon Robb
SARASOTA, May 2, 2024—Izzy Wilson of South Florida Aquatic Club is among an elite field for the USA Swimming Open Water National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.

Wilson, 18, will compete Friday in the women’s 10K National Championship which features swimmers from the U.S., Japan and France. She will also compete in the 5K National Championship on Sunday.

Wilson is the only girl participant from the Florida Gold Coast competing. The only other FGC swimmer entered is Mario Granizo of Azura Florida Aquatics in the men’s 7.5K junior national championship.

Last year Wilson was fifth in the women’s 7.5K race in 1:35.10.

University of Florida’s Anna Auld of West Palm Beach is competing in the women’s 10K National Championship.

Open water swimmers had the opportunity to train at the park on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon.

USA Swimming and Sarasota Sharks are hosting the three-day event. The course layout is a 2K rectangular course.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
10K National Championships
Friday, May 3, 2024
Women’s Race 8:00 am
Men’s Race 10:30 am
5K Junior National Championships (15-U Age Group)
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Men’s Race 2:00 pm
Women’s Race 2:05 pm
5K National Championships
Sunday, May 5 2024
Men’s Race 7:30 am
Women’s Race 7:35 am
7.5K Junior National Championships (16-17 Age Group)
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Men’s Race 9:30 am
Women’s Race 9:35 am

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com