Double Winner Sofia Gomez Leads SOFLO On Final Day Of FGC Short Course BB South Championships

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, February 27, 2022—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers ended on a successful note Sunday at the Florida Gold Coast Short Course BB South Championships at Academic Village Pool.

The fast meet, that attracted 332 swimmers, had 235 FGC Junior Olympics cut times and 36 senior championships qualifying times.

SOFLO distance swimmers had some impressive time drops in the afternoon 1,650-yard freestyle event.

Tania Mantilla, 14, dropped 47.83 seconds to finish second in a best time 19:35.10 and crack 20 minutes for the first time. Her previous best was 20:22.93.

Calista Harries, 15, dropped 22.23 seconds to place second in 19:52.57, also cracking 20 minutes. Her previous best was 20:14.80.

Atharv Agashe, 12, was third in a best time 21:22.18, dropping 21.51 seconds off his previous best of 21:43.69.

Among SOFLO champions were:

Laila Harran, 12, 100-yard freestyle, best time 59.59, dropping 0.62.

Sofia Gomez, 12, 100-yard butterfly, 1:11.58 and 50-yard breaststroke, best time 37.02, time drop 0.10.

Dahlia Hirsh, 15, 200-yard individual medley, best time 2:21.60, time drop 2.76.

Tristan Dons, 13, 100-yard butterfly, best time 1:00.41, time drop 0.08.

Host SOFLO had the largest team entered with 79 swimmers (42 boys and 37 girls) in 346 individual events.

Florida Gold Coast south teams that competed were: Azura Florida Aquatics, Blue Marlins of Hialeah Gardens, Bravo Swimming, Hialeah Storm, City of Miami Swim Team, Cooper City Cyclones, Eagle Aquatics, Florida Keys Swim Club, Gulliver, Homestead Wahoos, Hurricane Aquatics, MarJCC, Metro Aquatics, Miami Country Day, Miami Swimming, Midtown Weston, North Miami, Ransom Everglades, Shelton Doral, Swim Gym and SwimFast.

SUNDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
1,650-yard freestyle:
11-12, 1. Carlotta Montesino, RANS 19:59.18, 2. Sofia Kotz-Agramonte, RANS 20:58.17.

13-14, 1. Kaylie Santirzo, MAC 19:24.35, 2. Tania Mantilla, SOFLO 19:35.10, time drop 47.83, 3. Katja Milevska, MWA 20:02.42.

15-18, 1. Kiera Rampersad, EA 19:08.58, 2. Calista Harries, SOFLO 19:52.57, time drop 22.23.

100-yard freestyle:
11-12, 1. Laila Harran, SOFLO 59.59, time drop 0.62, 2. Aubrey Moen, CCPR 1:00.90, 3. Sofia Gomez, SOFLO 1:01.01; SOFLO: 6. Saree Young 1:01.94, time drop 0.01.

13-14, 1. Calla Kelble, MS 56.89, 2. Layne Smith, UN 57.41, 3. Genesis Escobar, SOFLO 58.25, time drop 0.37; SOFLO: 9. Anjana Andapally 59.88, time drop 0.36.

15-18, 1. Angelina Baucells, SDST 56.65, 2. Dahlia Hirsh, SOFLO 56.84, time drop 1.58, 3. Maria Grant, MS 57.48; SOFLO: 5. Daniela Barreto 57.94, time drop 1.31.

100-yard butterfly:
11-12, 1. Sofia Gomez, SOFLO 1:11.58, 2. Estefania Nunez-Estrada, RANS 1:13.61, 3. Alejandra Perez, MAC 1:14.27.

13-14, 1. Erika Duardo, BMHG 1:05.26, 2. Angelika Morales, EA 1:07.22, 3. Marcella Orlandini, RANS 1:08.37.

15-18, 1. Jade Renaud, SF 1:04.42, 2. CAmille Schechter, CANBE 1:04.91, 3. Stacey Zenuchova, CANE 1:05.21; SOFLO: 4. Daniela Barreto 1:05.61, time drop 1.46, 6. Kaylee Del Rio 1:06.83, time drop 0.61, 9. Judith-Allison Natino 1:13.43, time drop 0.64.

50-yard breaststroke:
11-12, 1. Sofia Gomez, SOFLO 37.02, time drop 0.10, 2. Athena Dyer, RANS 37.21, 3. Molly Chaison, MWA 37.47.

50-yard backstroke:
11-12, 1. Yurika Duardo, BMHG 32.93, 2. Roxan Rodriguez, MWA 32.98, 3. Ana Ospina, BRV 34.24; SOFO: 5. Ellie Jackson 34.38, 6. Sophie Szutkowski 34.39, time drop 0.53, 8. Jianna Amores 34.74, time drop 0.20.

200-yard individual medley:
11-12, 1. Katerina Linfield, RANS 2:29.87, 2. Saree Young, SOFLO 2:30.51, time drop 0.13, 3. Victoria Sepulveda, BMHG 2:33.69; SOFLO: 5. Gianna Martin 2:35.86, time drop 3.16, 9. Sofia Rodriguez 2:38.64.

13-14, 1. Erika Duardo, BMHG 2:20.13, 2. Sarah Vasquez, SOFLO 2:20.46, time drop 0.33, 3. Pilar Duranti, UN 2:20.79; SOFLO: 4. Tania Mantilla 2:26.96, 5. Anjana Andapally 2:28.12, 7. Mikhel Martin 2:31.04, time drop 0.10, 8. Genesis Escobar 2:32.63.

15-18, 1. Dahlia Hirsh, SOFLO 2:21.60, time drop 2.76, 2. Stacey Zenuchova, CANE 2:22.44, 3. Katia Alonso, MS 2:25.91; SOFLO: 7. Daniela Barreto 2:29.06.

BOYS
1,650-yard freestyle:
11-12, 1. Alexander Diaz, SF 19:44.76, 2. Manuel Arencibia, MWA 21.06.00, 3. Atharv Agashe, SOFLO 21:22.18, time drop 21.51.

13-14, 1. Michael Grenbier, CANE 18:10.21, 2. Joshua Menezes, SOFLO 19:37.69, 3. Bruno Sinchi, RANS 19:37.74.

15-18, 1. Patrick O’Donnell, UN 18:03.97, 2. Victor Valdiviezo, SOFLO 19:24.96, time drop 35.86.

100-yard freestyle:
11-12, 1. Jacob Ellis, RANS 59.31, 2. Liam Fothergill, MWA 1:00.36, 3. Matthe Ives, MWA 1:00.49; SOFLO: 4. Eric Ferrer 1:01.41, time drop 0.81.

13-14, 1. Senastian Correa, MAC 53.23, 2. Tristan Dons, SOFLO 53.85, 3. Jake Kotz-Agramonte, RANS 53.98; SOFLO: 4. Mason Jimenez 54.16, time drop 0.02, 8. Andres Gonzalez 54.98, time drop 0.39, 9. Jose Rincon 54.99, time drop 0.32.

15-18, 1. Abelardo Kauefate, SDST 51.10, 2. Daniel Gonzalez Jimenez, AZ 51.39, 3. Felix Gonzalez, SOFLO 51.65, time drop 0.54; SOFLO: 5. Kevin Moya 52.258, time drop 0.48, 10. Carlos Salas 53.07, time drop 0.03.

100-yard butterfly:
11-12, 1. Morgan Casal, BMHG 1:14.37, 2. Matthew Meneses, MAC 1:16.40.

13-14, 1. Tristan Dons, SOFLO 1:00.41, time drop 0.08, 2. Andres Gonzalez, SOFLO 1:02.06, time drop 0.36, 3. Abraham Penaloza, SOFLO 1:02.38, time drop 1.37; SOFLO: 6. Mason Jimenez 1:02.94.

15-18, 1. Mateo Silva, CANE 55.91, 2. Joshua Olds, MWA 57.13, 3. David Chacin, BMHG 57.44; SOFLO: 5. Marvan Ekanayake 57.95, 8. Carlos Salas 59.73, 9. Felix Gonzalez 59.88.

50-yard breaststroke:
11-12, 1. Matthias Orlandini, RANS 34.89, 2. Mikhail Cherepanov, BRV 37.29, 3. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 37.80, time drop 0.69.

50-yard backstroke:
11-12, 1. Nikita Nesterov, BRV 34.29, 2. Kaiemi Grossi, CCPR 35.25,3. Matthew Ives, MWA 35.25.

200-yard individual medley:
11-12, 1. Ray Heredia, BMHG 2:27.61, 2. Tikhon Kolobov, NMST 2:29.71, 3. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 2:31.15, time drop 3.07, 8. Daniel Chaussky 2:42.42.

13-14, 1. Oliver Cannings, GRSC 2:15.37, 2. Tristan Dons, SOFLO 2:16.67, 3. Axel Torres-Torres, GRSC 2:16.85; SOFLO: 5. Jose Rincon 2:18.90 time drop 0.30, 6. Leo Shee 2:19.95, time drop 0.89. 7. Joshua Menezes 2:20.14.

15-18, 1. Anthony Lander, MS 2:08.17, 2. Jorge Kauefate, SDST 2:08.44, 3. Patrick O’Donnell, UN 2:09.78; SOFLO: 6. Sebastian Fernandez 2:14.30, time drop 1.64, 7. Carlos Salas 2:16.90, time drop 0.13, 9. Giorgio Rusconi 2:17.06, time drop 1.32.

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

Double Winners Lugo, Valdiviezo Lead SOFLO On Day Two Of FGC Short Course BB South Championships

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, February 26, 2022—South Florida Aquatic Club dominated action in the Florida Gold Coast Short Course BB South Championships Saturday at Academic Village Pool.

Among SOFLO champions were:

Sofia Lugo, 13, 200-yard butterfly, 2:21.34, time drop 8.66; 100-yard backstroke, 1:05.35, time drop 0.93.

Joanna Valdiviezo, 10, 100-yard backstroke, 1:21.12, time drop 0.92; 200-yard freestyle 2:35.85, time drop 15.22.

Dahlia Hirsh, 15, 200-yard freestyle 2:05.27, time drop 2.52.

Saree Young, 12, 100-yard individual medley, 1:09.44, time drop 0.38.

Sofia Hernandez, 16, 50-yard freestyle, 26.28.

Sofia Gomez, 12, 100-yard breaststroke, 1:21.78, time drop 0.34.

Jose Rincon, 13, 200-yard butterfly, 2:15.26, time drop 4.23.

Carlos Salas, 15, 100-yard backstroke, 1:00.73, time drop 1.56.

Diego Nazario-Vazquez, 16, 50-yard freestyle, 23.31, time drop 0.34.

Derek Hau, 14, 200-yard freestyle, 1:53.09.

Felix Gonzalez, 15, 200-yard freestyle 1:50.62, time drop 1.25.

The three-day meet, hosted by SOFLO and Comets Swim Team Booster Club, concludes Sunday with boys and girls morning prelims at 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m. The 1,650-yard freestyle is 4 p.m. between sessions.

Host SOFLO has the largest team entered with 79 swimmers (42 boys and 37 girls) in 346 individual events.

Florida Gold Coast south teams competing are: Azura Florida Aquatics, Blue Marlins of Hialeah Gardens, Bravo Swimming, Hialeah Storm, City of Miami Swim Team, Cooper City Cyclones, Eagle Aquatics, Florida Keys Swim Club, Gulliver, Homestead Wahoos, Hurricane Aquatics, MarJCC, Metro Aquatics, Miami Country Day, Miami Swimming, Midtown Weston, North Miami, Ransom Everglades, Shelton Doral, Swim Gym and SwimFast.

The BB North Championships are being hosted by Lake Lytal Lightning in West Palm Beach.

SATURDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
200-yard butterfly:
13-14, 1. Sofia Lugo, SOFLO 2:21.34, time drop 8.66, 2. Isabella Montes, SOFLO 2:30.93, time drop 0.40, 3. Valentina Alvarez, MAC 2:31.10; SOFLO: 4. Tania Mantilla 2:36.28.

15-18, 1. Maya Sorunmu, SF 2:23.06, 2. Angelina Baucells, SDST 2:23.89, 3. Alexandra De Angulo, MS 2:26.91; SOFLO: 4. Kaylee Del Rio 2:37.55.

100-yard backstroke:
7-10, 1. Joanna Valdiviezo, SOFLO 1:21.12, time drop 0.92, 2. Anastasia Morales, EA 1:21.60, 3. Nika Kavailoy, MJST 1:23.46; SOFLO: 5. Sofia Rufeev 1:28.94, time drop 1.35.

11-12, 1. Yurika Duardo, BMHG 1:10.45, 2. Sofia Rodriguez, SOFLO 1:11.53, 3. Ana Ospina, BRV 1:11.77; SOFLO: Ellie Jackson 1:12.25, 9. Jianna Amores 1:14.26, 10. Sophie Szutkowski 1:14.45.

13-14, 1. Sofia Lugo, SOFLO 1:05.35, time drop 0.93, 2. Alani Lopez, UN 1:05.57, 3. Layne Smith, UN 1:05.73; SOFLO: 6. Sarah Vasquez 1:07.13, time drop 0.67, 8. Sarah Bedoya 1:09.04, time drop 0.50, 9. Genesis Escobar 1:09.10, 10. Mikhel Martin 1:09.17.

15-18, 1. Stacey Zenuchova, CANE 1:04.21, 2. Nicole Torres-Torres 1:08.02, 3. Melissa Nassery, SOFLO 1:11.13, time drop 1.98.

100-yard individual medley:
7-10, 1. Anastasia Morales, EA 1:22.71, 2. Amira Alonso, MAC 1:22.95, 3. Nika Kavailoy, MJST 1:25.63; SOFLO: 4. Sophia Rodriguez 1:26.55, time drop 2.70, 6. Joanna Valdiviezo 1:27.95.

11-12, 1. Saree Young, SOFLO 1:09.44, time drop 0.38, 2. Laila Harran, SOFLO 1:10.96, time drop 1.14, 3. Yurika Duardo, BMHG 1:11.43; SOFLO: 6. Sofia Rdriguez 1:12.40, time drop 0.01.

50-yard freestyle:
7-10, 1. Lucia Acevedo, BMHG 31.88, 2. Amira Alonso, MAC 32.88, 3. Valentina Remmele, SOFLO 32.88, time drop 1.92; SOFLO: 6. Sophia Rodriguez 33.54, time drop 1.25, 7. Sofia Rufeec 36.23.

11-12, 1. Ella Johnston, MWA 28.04, 2. Victoria Sepulveda, BMHG 28.46, 3. Sofia Gomez, SOPFLO 28.48; SOFLO: 6. Saree Young 28.75, time drop 0.49.

13-14, 1. Calla Kelbie, MS 26.27, 2. Amelia Bicerne, SOFLO 26.47, time drop 0.78, 3. Katlyn Rhett, MWA 26.55; SOFLO: 4. Sarah Vasquez 26.66, time drop 0.29, 8. Sofia Lugo 27.10, 10. Tana Mantilla 27.74.

15-18, 1. Sofia Hernandez, SOFLO 26.28, 2. Tamalia Blanchard, SF 26.43, 3. Nicole Macedo, GRSC 26.53; SOFLO: 6. Dahlia Hirsh 26.81, time drop 0.57, 9. Daniela Barreto 27.26.

50-yard butterfly:
7-10, 1. Eva Kolobova, NMST 36.57, 2. Luna Varela, MAC 38.80, 3. Varvara Dmitrova, UN 38.90; SOFLO: 5. Valentina Remmele 38.99, time drop 0.75.

11-12, 1. Isabella Lopez, CANE 31.11, 2. Athena Dyer, RANS 31.52, 3. Danette Vega-Mendez, MAC 31.61.

100-yard breaststroke:
7-10, 1. Penelope Lopez-Casula, EA 1:27.22, 2. Valentina Remmele, SOFLO 1:33.63, time drop 2.65, 3. Anastasia Morales, EA 1:40.17.

11-12, 1. Sofia Gomez, SOFLO 1:21.78, time drop 0.34, 2. Carlotta Montesino, RANS 1:22.78, 3. Alicia Salazar, MAC 1:23.10.

13-14, 1. Calla Kelble, MS 1:13.97, 2. Katlyn Rhett, MWA 1:14.05, 3. Mia Guerrero, SOFLO 1:16.85, time drop 2.31; SOFLO: 5. Sarah Vasquez 1:17.42, time drop 0.12, 8. Anjana Andapally 1:21.35, time drop 0.69, 9. Haley Garcia 1:25.60.

15-18, 1. Victoria Montalvo, RANS 1:13.89, 2. Stacy Zenuchova, CANE 1:14.40, 3. Aridane Villar, CANE 1:17.45; SOFLO: 4. Calista Harries 1:19.39, time drop 1.29.

200-yard freestyle:
7-10, 1. Joanna Valdiviezo, SOFLO 2:35.85, time drop 15.22, 2. Lucia Acevedo, BMHG 2:40.15, 3. Sofia Robayo, MWA 2:43.25.

11-12, 1. Athena Dyer, RANS 2:09.88, 2. Laila Harran, SOFLO 2:10.53, time drop 1.10, 3. Victoria Sepulveda, BMHG 2:10.66; SOFLO: 6. Saree Young 2:15.48, 8. Jianna Amores 2:17.68, time drop 1.09, 10. Sofia Rodriguez 2:20.11.

13-14, 1. Alani Lopez, UN 2:03.32, 2. Calla Kelble, MS 2:03.67, 3. Darly Young, SF 2:07.36; SOFLO: 5. Genesis Escobar 2:07.86, time drop 3.65. 6. Anjana Andapally 2:09.54, time drop 0.79.

15-18, 1. Dahlia Hirsh, SOFLO 2:05.27, time drop 2.52, 2. Mila Fanjul, GRSC 2:07.13, 3. Alexandra De Angulo, MS 2:07.31; SOFLO: 4. Daniela Barreto 2:07.36, 9. Calista Harries 2:11.05, 10. Sofia Hernandez 2:11.22

BOYS
200-yard butterfly:
13-14, 1. Jose Rincon, SOFLO 2:15.26, time drop 4.23, 2. Carlos Rincon, SOFLO 2:22.33.

15-18, 1. Matthew Fernandez, MS 2:08.00, 2. David Chacin, BMHG 2:08.76, 3. Felix Gonzalez, SOFLO 2:11.29, time drop 3.87, 5. Marvan Ekanayake 2:14.51.

100-yard backstroke:
7-10, 1. Christopher Chaison, MWA 1:13.50, 2. Frank Fernandez, BMHG 1:19.74, 3. David Gonzalez, SOFLO 1:25.26, time drop 0.27; SOFLO: 4. Zachary Snigur 1:27.58, time drop 0.20, 7. Matthew Ortiz 1:29.23.

11-12, 1. Liam Fothergill, MWA 1:11.13, 2. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 1:12.77, time drop 1.23, 3. Jacob Ellis, RANS 1:14.60.

13-14, 1. Leonard Lopez-Casula, EA 1:01.15, 2. Jose Rincon, SOFLO 1:02.10, 3. Nicolas Kokidko, MAC 1:04.82; SOFLO: 4. Matt McVeigh 1:05.06.

15-18, 1. Carlos Salas, SOFLO 1:00.73, time drop 1.56, 2. Joshua Olds, MWA 1:01.18, 3. David Chacin, BMHG 1:01.75.

100-yard individual medley:
7-10, 1. Eric Macedo, GRSC 1:11.02, 2. Luca Pichardo, CCPR 1:17.89, 3. Guy Soto, CCPR 1:20.56; SOFLO: 8. Rafael Naranjo 1:25.45, time drop 2.78, 9. Alessandro Suarez Cabrera 1:25.75.

11-12, 1. Matthias Orlandini, RANS 1:06.11, 2. Alexander Diaz, SF 1:08.53, 3. Nikita Nesterov, BRV 1:08.74.

50-yard freestyle:
7-10, 1. Brandon Almuina, MAC 31.85, 2. Frank Fernandez, BMHG 32.08, 3. Kenneth Solis, UN 32.19; SOFLO: 4. Toma Petkov 32.37, time drop 0.81, 8. Ethan Phan 33.12, time drop 0.27, 16. Alessandro Suarez Cabrera 34.28, 17. Rafael Naranjo 34.74.

11-12, 1. Matthew Ives, MWA 27.93, 2. Mikhail Cherepanov, BRV 28.00, 3. Lucas Sciacca, MAC 28.12.

13-14, 1. Jorvir Togrero, UN 24.86, 2. Jake Kotz-Agramonte, RANS 25.01, 3. Mathias Alvarado Elizondo, RAN 25.13; SOFLO: 6. Mason Jimenez 25.42, 7. Andres Gonzalez 25.55, 8. Tristan Dons 25.59.

15-18, 1. Diego Nazario-Vazquez, SOFLO 23.31, time drop 0.34, 2. Hashan Ekanayake, SOFLO 23.56, time drop 0.24, 3. Robert Alvarez, MAC 23.63; SOFLO: 4. Marvan Ekanayake 24.12, time drop 0.13.

50-yard butterfly:
7-10, 1. Kenneth Solis, UN 37.16, 2. Constantine Lazarou, CCPR 37.60, 3. Matthew Ortiz, SOFLO 38.31, time drop 2.12; SOFLO: 4. Rafael Naranjo, 40.05, time drop 0.18, 5. Leonardo Zuluaga 43.24, time drop 0.02.

11-12, 1. Matthias Orlandini, RANS 30.62, 2. Lucas Sciacca, MAC 31.60, 3. Alexander Diaz, SF 31.81; SOFLO: 4. Daniel Chaussky 31.99, time drop 0.62, 5. Eric Ferrer 32.11, time drop 0.27

100-yard breaststroke:
7-10, 1. Luca Pichardo, CCPR 1:31.16, 2. Zachary Snigur, SOFLO 1:32.07, time drop 4.02, 3. Ethan Phan, SOFLO 1:33.91, time drop 2.34; SOFLO: 4. Leonardo Zuluaga 1:38.25, time drop 2.22.

11-12, 1. Mikhail Cherepanov, BRV 1:18.71, 2. Jacob Ellis, RANS 1:19.12, 3. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 1:20.78, time drop 3.43.

13-14, 1. Jesus Ruiz, MWA 1:09.18, 2. Mason Jimenez, SOFLO 1:11.63, 3. Benjamin Aguilera, CM 1:11.85; SOFLO: 4. Joshua Menezes 1:11.86, time drop 0.39, 7. Andres Gonzalez 1:13.65, time drop 0.59.

15-18, 1. Anthony Lander, MS 1:08.41, 2. Fabio Di Persio, CANE 1:12.94, 3. Leonard Caldeira De Andrada, RANS 1:12.98.

200-yard freestyle:
7-10, 1. Reynaldo Manzanarez, BMHG 2:32.30, 2. Guy Soto, CCPR 2:32.53, 3. Toma Petkov, SOFLO 2:34.05; SOFLO: 5. David Gonzalez 2:34.82, time drop 7.51, 6. Zachary Snigur 2:35.09, time drop 8.62, 8. Ethan Phan 2:36.36, time drop 5.37, 10. Michael Barber 2:41.81, time drop 1.23, 12. Matthew Ortiz 2:44.82.

11-12, 1. Matthew Ives, MWA 2:10.98, 2. Jacob Ellis, RANS 2:11.98, 3. Ray Heredia, BMHG 2:18.16; SOFLO: 5. Atharv Agashe 2:25.51, time drop 1.15.

13-14, 1. Derek Hau, SOFLO 1:53.09, 2. Nicolas Kokidko, MAC 1:53.28, 3. Tristan Dons, SOFLO 1:58.40; SOFLO: 7. Jose Rincon 2:02.56, 9. Abraham Penaloza 2:03.07.

15-18, 1. Felix Gonzalez, SOFLO 1:50.62, time drop 1.25, 2. Diego Nazario-Vazquez, SOFLO 1:53.43, time drop 1.03, 3. Thomas Fanjul, GRSC 1:54.26; SOFLO: 6. Carlos Salas 1:56.60, 8. Kevin Moya 1:59.44.

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

SOFLO Swimmers Off To Good Start On Day One Of FGC Short Course BB South Championships

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, February 25, 2022—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers got off to a good start on opening day of the Florida Gold Coast Short Course BB South Championships Friday at Academic Village Pool.

SOFLO had four individual winners in the 500-yard freestyle and 400-yard individual medley events.

Saree Young, 12, won the 11-12 500-yard freestyle in a best time 5:49.87, dropping 11.45 seconds off her previous best. Teammate Sofia Rodriguez, 11, was second in a best time 5:59.88, dropping 9.43 seconds and breaking 6 minutes for the first time.

Mariann Catalasan, 15, won the 15-18 500-yard freestyle in a best time 5:32.37, dropping 3.06.

Toma Petkov, 9, won the 7-10 500-yard freestyle in a best time 6:43.35, dropping 13.97.

Eric Ferrer, 11, won the 11-12 400-yard individual medley in a best time 5:20.46, dropping 1.74.

The three-day meet, hosted by SOFLO and Comets Swim Team Booster Club, continues on Saturday and Sunday with boys and girls morning prelims at 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m. The 1,650-yard freestyle is Sunday at 4 p.m. between sessions.

Host SOFLO has the largest team entered with 79 swimmers (42 boys and 37 girls) in 346 individual events.

Florida Gold Coast south teams competing are: Azura Florida Aquatics, Blue Marlins of Hialeah Gardens, Bravo Swimming, Hialeah Storm, City of Miami Swim Team, Cooper City Cyclones, Eagle Aquatics, Florida Keys Swim Club, Gulliver, Homestead Wahoos, Hurricane Aquatics, MarJCC, Metro Aquatics, Miami Country Day, Miami Swimming, Midtown Weston, North Miami, Ransom Everglades, Shelton Doral, Swim Gym and SwimFast.

The BB North Championships are being hosted by Lake Lytal Lightning in West Palm Beach.

FRIDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
500-yard freestyle:
11-12, 1. Saree Young, SOFLO 5:49.87, time drop 11.45, 2. Sofia Rodriguez, SOFLO 5:59.88, time drop 9.43, 3. Sofia Kotz-Agramonte, RE 6:01.42; SOFLO: 6. Jianna Amores 6:09.54, time drop 6.52.

13-14, 1. Isabel Viera, MAC 5:21.28, 2. Carley Kaplan, CCPR 5:30.24, 3. Sofia Abril, GRSC 5:30.36; SOFLO: 4. Sofia Lugo 5:32.90, time drop 5.93, 8. Genesis Escobar 5:42.23, time drop 13.59.

15-18, 1. Mariann Catalasan, SOFLO 5:32.37, time drop 3.06, 2. Angelina Baucelis, SDST 5:34.92, 3. Dahlia Hirsh, SOFLO 5:41.67.

400-yard individual medley:
11-12, 1. Antonia Moreno, GRSC 5:36.52, 2.Francesca Ninova, CANE 5:45.11.

13-14, 1. Pilar Duranti, UN 4:55.05, 2. Fiorella DiSalvo, EA 4:58.72, 3. Amelie Bicerne, SOFLO 5:04.35; SOFLO: 4. Tania Mantilla 5:04.77, time drop 13.612, 5. Anjana Andapally 5:14.40, time drop 12.07.

15-18, 1. Anna Kline, EA 5:05.48, 2. Calista Harris, SOFLO 5:20.11, time drop 4.19, 3. Kaylee Del Rio, SOFLO 5:29.66.

BOYS
500-yard freestyle:
7-10, 1. Toma Petkov, SOFLO 6:43.35, time drop 13.97, 2. Michael Barber. SOFLO 7:05.89.

11-12, 1. Tomas Franchak, CANE 5:55.39, 2. Matthew Meneses, MAC 5:56.93, 3. Manuel Arencibia, MWA 6:23.04; SOFLO: 4. Atharv Agashe 6:25.68, time drop 0.20.

13-14, 1. Gabriel Navarro, NMST 5:12.67, 2. Sebastian Correa, MAC 5:13.00, 3. Mason Jimenez, SOFLO 5:15.19, time drop 7.23; SOFLO: 5. Tristan Dons 5:21.94, time drop 16.76, 10. Matt McVeigh 5:33.41, time drop 21.02, 12. Joshua Menezes 5:37.02, time drop 7.07.

15-18, 1. Abelardo Kauefate, SDST 5:10.75, 2. Jorge Kauefate, SDST 5:11.62, 3. Miguel Loreto, SDST 5:14.08; SOFLO: 4. Marvan Ekanayake 5:19.23, time drop 1.27, 7. Sebastian Fernandez 5:25.51, time drop 5.52.

400-yard individual medley:
11-12, 1. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 5:20.46, time drop 1.74.

13-14, 1. Leonardo Lopez-Casula, EA 4:50.70, 2. Andres Gonzalez, SOFLO 4:58.29, time drop 4.36.

15-18, 1. Thomas Fanjul, GRSC 4:34.26, 2. Roger Garcia, RANS 4:47.22.

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

Olympic Swimmers Caeleb Dressel, Lydia Jacoby Bobbleheads Unveiled

By Sharon Robb
MILWAUKEE, Wisc., February 25, 2022–The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled its limited-edition bobbleheads featuring swimmers Caeleb Dressel and Lydia Jacoby.

Dressel, a Clay High School, Bolles and University of Florida alum, is a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and world record-holder in three events.

Jacoby won a gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke as a 17-year-old at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The first bobbleheads of Dressel and Jacoby are being produced by the Museum.

The smiling and wide-eyed Dressel bobblehead, with water up to his waist, is raising his index fingers on both hands over his head, signaling No. 1 after a gold-medal performance in the 100-meter freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics. The base, which bears his name, is transparent.

Wearing a white USA warmup jacket and pants, the smiling Jacoby bobblehead has a gold medal around her neck. With her arms extended over her head, she is holding flowers in her right hand as she celebrates her victory in the 100-meter breaststroke in Tokyo. She is standing on a patriotic base bearing her name in metallic gold.

Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,020 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in July, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

Dressel left the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the world’s most dominant swimmer. The 25-year-old Florida native won gold medals in the 50 and 100 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. He was also a member of the 400 freestyle and 400 medley gold-medal relays to become only the fifth American swimmer to win five gold medals in a single Olympic Games since 1970, joining Phelps, Mark Spitz, Eric Heiden, and Matt Biondi. He also became the first swimmer in the history of swimming at the modern Olympic Games to win gold medals in the 50 and 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly at the same Olympics. That pushed his total to seven golds after winning his first two in Rio de Janeiro in the 400 freestyle and 400 medley relays.

A member of the Cali Condors in the International Swimming League, Dressel holds world records in the 100 butterfly (long course and short course), 50 freestyle (short course) and 100 individual medley (short course). Dressel won 10 NCAA titles at Florida (2015-18).

Also known for his tattoos, Dressel’s bobbleheads will include the face of an alligator on his left forearm, an eagle with the flag of America on his left shoulder, a bear on his upper left arm, and the American flag on his left forearm.

A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Jacoby became the first swimmer from Alaska to qualify for an Olympic Games when she qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics in the 100-meter breaststroke. The 17-year-old was one of 11 teenage female swimmers to make the team.

After ranking third overall after the semifinals with a time of 1:05.72, Jacoby had a winning time of 1:04.95 in the final to garner Team USA’s first gold medal. It was the first medal won by an Alaskan-born swimmer at an Olympic Games. Her time also set a new National Age Group record for American girls in the 17-18-year-old age group. On the final day of competition, Jacoby won a silver medal as part of the 400-meter medley relay.

After the Olympics, Jacoby competed in the 2021 FINA Swimming World Cup and was the overall highest scoring female American competitor in the international competition. She won silver medals in the 50-meter breaststroke in Berlin and Budapest and in the 100-meter breaststroke in Budapest. She also won a bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke in Berlin. A graduate of Seward High School in Seward, Alaska, Jacoby committed to University of Texas starting in the fall of 2022.

“I am excited to partner with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in the hopes of bringing fans and fellow swimmers a smile,” Jacoby said.

Said National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar, “We are excited to release these bobbleheads of Caeleb Dressel and Lydia Jacoby who have both shined on the world’s biggest staged and inspired so many across the globe. We think these fans will love these new bobbleheads featured two swimming superstars.”

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It opened to the public on February 1, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country.

For more information call 1-800-414-1482 or email info@bobbleheadhall.com. The bobbleheads are only available in its online store.

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

SOFLO Heads Field For FGC Short Course BB South Championships

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, February 24, 2022—The championship season continues for South Florida Aquatic Club with the Florida Gold Coast Short Course BB South Championships.

The three-day meet, hosted by SOFLO and Comets Swim Team Booster Club, begins Friday at Academic Village Pool at 6 p.m. with the 500-yard freestyle and 400-yard individual medley events.

The meet continues on Saturday and Sunday with boys and girls morning prelims at 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m. The 1,650-yard freestyle is Sunday at 4 p.m. between sessions.

Host SOFLO has the largest team entered with 79 swimmers (42 boys and 37 girls) in 346 individual events.

Among SOFLO top seeds are: Toma Petkov, 9; Saree Young, 12; Eric Ferrer, 11; Tania Mantilla, 14; Jose Rincon, 13; Maria Catalasan, 15; Joan Valdiviezo, 10; Tristan Dons, 13; Sofia Hernandez, 16; Amelie Bicerne, 14; Genesis Escobar, 14; Daniela Barreto, 18; Leo Shee, 13; Zachary Snigur, 10; Sofia Gomez, 12; Marvan Ekanayake, 15; Valentina Remmele, 10; and Dahlia Hirsh, 15.

The BB North Championships are being hosted by Lake Lytal Lightning in West Palm Beach.

Among Florida Gold Coast teams competing at Lake Lytal and Academic Village Pool are: Azura, Boca Raton Swim Team, Coral Springs Swim Club, Delray Stingers, Eagle Aquatics, FAST, Florida Keys, Gulliver, Heritage Aquatics, Hurricane Aquatics, Jupiter Dragons, Lake Lytal Lightning, Martin County Swimming, Metro Aquatics, Miami Country Day, Midtown Weston, North Palm Beach, PAQ, Pine Crest, Plantation Swim Team, Pompano Beach Piranhas, Ransom Everglades, St. Andrew’s Aquatics, Shelton Doral, Sunrise Swimming, Swim Fort Lauderdale, TS Aquatics, Tsunami Swim Team, Wahoos of Wellington and Westminster Academy.

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

Florida Gators Defend SEC Men’s Swimming And Diving Title; Tennessee Wins Women’s Crown; Patrick Groters Breaks USC School Record

By Sharon Robb
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., February 20, 2022—University of Florida men’s team won its tenth consecutive Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving Championship Saturday night at Jones Aquatics Center.

The Gators won with 1,414 points, a 476-point cushion over Tennessee and Alabama. It was the fourth time in team history the Gators cracked 1,400 points.

And the Gators did it without defending SEC champions Bobby Finke and Dillon Hillis, both scratched from the meet because of COVID-19 protocols.

The Gators swept all the men’s relays. In individual events, Olympian and senior Kieran Smith led the Gators’ winning the 400-yard individual medley. Sophomore Adam Chaney won the 100-yard backstroke, breaking Ryan Lochte’s school record in 44.51.

The Gators dominated the final day of competition taking seven of the top nine spots in the 1,650-yard freestyle.

Winning for the Gators were:
200-yard medley relay: Adam Chaney, Dillon Hillis, Eric Friese, Alberto Mester, 1:22.06, SEC record.

800-yard freestyle relay: Kieran Smith, Trey Freeman, Oskar Lindholm, Alfonso Mestre, 6:08.00, SEC record.

200-yard freestyle relay: Adam Chaney, Eric Friese, Kieran Smith, Macguire McDuff, 1:15.18, SEC record.

400-yard individual medley: Kieran Smith, Senior, 3:39.33.

400-yard medley relay: Adam Chaney, Amro Al-Wir, Eric Friese, Kieran Smith, 3:02.61.

1650-yard freestyle: Trey Freeman, Junior, 14:39.74.

200-yard backstroke: Kieran Smith, Senior, 1:39.51.

400-yard freestyle relay: Macguire McDuff, Adam Chaney, Eric Friese, Kieran Smith, 2:46.91.

It was the 43rd overall title for the Gators. Florida is now primed for the March 23-26 NCAA Men’s Championships in Atlanta.

In the women’s competition, Tennessee won its second women’s title in three years. The Volunteers won with 1,313.5 points ahead of Kentucky with 1,043 and Alabama, 1,038. The Gators were fifth with 905 points. It was Tennessee’s highest point total in team history.

Freshman Ellen Walshe became the third woman in the team’s history to win three individual events in a single SEC Championships.

Walshe won the 400-yard individual medley in 4:01.53, second fastest in NCAA history this season, and 100-yard butterfly in 50.34. She also won the 200 IM in 1:52.97. She was a member of the winning 800-yard freestyle relay.

The Vols also picked up a win from freshman Julia Mrozinski in the 500-yard freestyle in 4:35.95, third fastest in the NCAA this season.

The Volunteers won the 800-yard freestyle relay and finished runner-up in the remaining relays. All five relays were under NCAA A cuts.

Other Tennessee winners were:
800-yard freestyle relay: Julia Mrozinski, Ellen Walshe, Trude Rothrock, Tjasa Pintar – 6:56.81, pool record.

100-yard breaststroke: Mona McSharry, 57.50.

1650-yard freestyle: Kristen Stege, 15:42.37.

Among Florida Gold Coast swimmer results:

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Kathleen Golding, a junior at University of Florida, competed in three events. She was 18th in the 200 IM in a best time 1:57.63, seventh in the 400 IM in 4:11.14 and 21st in the 1,650-yard freestyle in 16:27.95. She dropped 1.32 second off her previous 1:58.95 200 IM.

Florida freshman Anna Auld was 33rd in the 500 freestyle in 4:48.87; 11th in the 400 IM in a best time 4:11.02 and 10th in the 1,650-yard freestyle in a best time 16:16.87, dropping 10.25 seconds.

SOFLO’s Molly Golding and Miguel Cancel did not compete.

In his SEC debut for University of South Carolina, Aruba’s Patrick Groters competed in three events. The former NSU University School and Pine Crest swimmer broke the school record in the 200 IM C-final with a best time of 1:43.77. The previous school record was 1:44.00 by Tomas Peribonio in 2018. Groters finished first in the C-final and was bumped up from 17th to 15th place after two swimmers were disqualified from the A-final. He was 18th in the 400 IM in a best time 3:47.17, dropping 1.12 and 13th in the 200 backstroke in 1:43.24, also a best time dropping 1.93.

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

TYR JANUARY BOY SWIMMER OF THE MONTH: Hashan Ekanayake

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, February 16, 2022–Hashan Ekanayake loves to race.

“I just like competing and racing against people,” Ekanayake said. “I am competitive.

“When I’m in the pool I think about the next meet and how can I do better and how can I keep getting faster.”

Ekanayake, 15, a freshman at Western High School, swam the 200- and 500-yard freestyles for his high school team, making it all the way to regionals and just missing states by one second in the 500.

Ekanayake trains with SOFLO’s Gold Group.

Ten years ago, Ekanayake started swimming when his parents started him in lessons at the British Swim School. He became a competitive swimmer at age 8 at SwimFast and moved over to South Florida Aquatic Club five years ago. He has been steadily improving ever since.

“My parents were scared of the water so they wanted to make sure I was able to swim and put me in lessons and I just kept on going,” said Ekanayake, a U.S. citizen of Sri Lankan descent.

“I’ve improved a lot since I came to SOFLO. When I was at SwimFast I was not the best swimmer. When I got to SOFLO I got a lot better with my stroke and speed.”

Swimming has helped Ekanayake with his time management when it comes to school and down time.

“I try getting my work done as soon as I can at school so I have more time to swim and practice,” he said. “I like to relax and take breaks when I have to.”

His dedication is paying off. A week before the USA Swimming Southern Zone Sectional Championships in Orlando, he made his cuts in his events and competed in the meet for experience, he said. He swam a best time 17:46.01 in the 1500-meter freestyle. “It was my first time in the meet,” he said.

His favorite stroke is freestyle. “I like distance mostly,” Ekanayake said.

Ekanayake’s brother Marvan is also a swimmer which makes for some family rivalry.

“We are both really competitive,” Ekanayake said. “But we both swim different events. He is a flyer and I’m a freestyler. We try to stay competitive in backstroke when we compete against each other. It’s nice to have someone that relates to me when it comes to swimming.”

Ekanayake continues to work toward his future goals.

“My ultimate goal is college,” Ekanayake said. “I would like to swim in college. Before that I am hoping I do well in senior champs. My main goal is to make Top 20. Hopefully, next year I made Futures cuts. I am happy with my decision to swim. Sometimes I think about an easier sport but at the end of the day I am doing better. I want to stay with it.”

The meet he has been happiest with was last year’s Junior Olympics in the 200 freestyle when he finished sixth after being bumped into finals after another swimmer scratched and he was seeded eighth.

His athletic focus is solely on swimming although he likes playing basketball with his friends after school.

Each TYR Swimmer of the Month receives a free TYR backpack.

SOFLO sponsor TYR is a USA manufacturer of recreational and competitive swimwear, caps, goggles, triathlon gear and accessories and one of the nation’s top companies.

TYR, created by athletes, is named for the Norse god of warriors in Germanic mythology.

Among its male-sponsored athletes are 2020 Olympians Michael Andrew, Tom Shields, Nic Fink, Townley Haas and Jordan Wilimovsky and other elite swimmers Matt Grevers, Maxime Rooney, Jacob Pebley and Ryan Lochte.

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

Julio Horrego Top SOFLO Finisher On Final Day Of USA Swimming Southern Zone South Sectionals; Sarasota Sharks, Azura Win Team Titles

By Sharon Robb
ORLANDO, February 13, 2022–Julio Horrego of South Florida Aquatic Club wrapped up a successful meet Sunday at the USA Swimming Southern Zone South Sectional Championships at Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympian for Honduras was second in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:17.35, off his best time of 2:16.40 swum in 2018. U.S. Olympian Michel Andrew won in 2:14.98.

The 23-year-old finished with a first in the 100 breaststroke, second in the 200 IM, third in the 50 breaststroke, sixth in the 200-meter medley relay and 33rd in the 50 freestyle. Horrego scored 70 points.

SOFLO teammates Izzy Wilson was eighth in the 1500-meter freetyle in a best time 17:44.32, with an impressive time drop of 6.13. Maddy Smutny was eighth in the 200-meter butterfly in 2:20.01. Olivia Dinehart was sixth in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:40.90. Elena Dinehart was tenth in the 200-meter backstroke in 2:23.17. Wisthon Rendon was tenth in the 200-meter butterfly in 2:08.37.

SOFLO’s women’s 400-meter freestyle relay was third in 4:03.36 with Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Mallory Schleicher and Maddy Smutny.

Winners on the final day:
Katie Ledecky, swimming unattached for the Gator Swim Club, finished her perfect showing with a win in the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:40.63.University of Florida’s Aryan Nehra, swimming unattached, won the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:54.17.

University of Alabama-bound Lockett Bowley won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:13.61, three seconds ahead of Michaela Mattes of Sarasota Sharks.

Bolles Martin Espernberger, a finalist in the Austrian Euro Junior Championships, won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:01.25.

Marina Spadoni won the 100-meter freesyle in 56.53 ahead of Addison Sauickie of Sarasota Sharks in 56.65 and Blair Stoneburg of Treasure Coast Aquatics in 57.28.

Stanford-bound Andres Dupont Cabrera of Bolles won the 100-meter freestyle in 50.94.

Gracie Weyant of Sarasota Sharks won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:33.10.

Canadian Megan Wheeler won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:15.21.

Azura’s Yeziel Morales, a Puerto Rican national record holder, won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:01.83 to finish a sweep of three backstroke events.

Sarasota Sharks won the combined team title (609.5) and women’s team title (360.5). Azura Florida Aquatics won the men’s team title (310.5).

Two-time defending champion SOFLO finished fifth in combined with 215 points, sixth in the men’s competition and eighth in the women’s competition.

SOFLO made club history in 2021 winning back-to-back Southern Zone South Sectional Championships. In February, SOFLO won the combined team title, was second among women and third among men. In July, SOFLO won the combined team title and boys team titles and girls were second.

SOFLO had 34 swimmers qualify in 151 individual events and has 20 relay teams in 10 relay events.

SUNDAY RESULTS
COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 609.5, 2. Azura 542.5, 3. Bolles 462, 4. Gator Swim Club 302, 5. South Florida Aquatic Club 215, 6. Trinity Prep 197, 7. Sarasota Tsunami 171, 8. Academy Aquatic Club 165, 9. Blue Dolfins 161.5, 10. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 137.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 360.5, 2. Azura 232, 3. Nepean Kanata Barracudas 184, 4. Bolles 155, 5. Blue Dolfins 118.5, 6. Gator Swim Club 111, 7. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 93, 8. South Florida Aquatic Club 84, 9. Academy Aquatic Club 76, 10. Unattached Gator Swim Club 60.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Azura Florida Aquatics 310.5, 2. Bolles 307, 3. Sarasota Sharks 249, 4. Trinity Prep 195, 5. Gator Swim Club 191, 6. South Florida Aquatic Club 131, 7. Sarasota Tsunami 113, 8. Academy Aquatic CLub 89, 9. Rocoa Rockets 81, 10. Olympus Swimming Club 45, 11. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 44.

WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, UN 15:40.63, 2. Michaela Mattes, SYS 16:29.86, 3. Blair Stoneburg, TCA 16:53.33; SOFLO: 8. Isabelle Wilson 17:44.32, time drop 6.13; FGC: 15. Jessica Smith, WOW 18:09.26, 16. Siena Griffiths, SAS 18:18.36, 19. Fatima Portillo, Azura 18:29.05, 21. Corley Smith, FKSC 18:56.20.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Lockett Bowley, BD 2:13.61, 2. Michaela Mattes, SYS 2:16.33, 3. Isabella Lojewski, BD 2:17.11; SOFLO: 8. Maddy Smutny 2:20.01, 21. Elena Dinehart 2:24.06; FGC: 6. Julimar Avila, Azura 2:18.74, 7. Heidi Smithwick, JUP 2:19.26; 9. Gabriela Robles Cortes, Azura 2:21.42, 22. Mariana Cote, MWA 2:26.23.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Marina Spadoni, UN 56.53, 2. Addison Sauickie, SYS 56.65, 3. Blair Stoneburg, TCA 57.28; SOFLO: 21. Olivia Dinehart 59.95; FGC: 11. Sirena Rowe, Azura 58.74.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:33.10, 2. Emily Santos, MVA 2:35.90, 3. Julie Brousseau, NKB 2:36.36; SOFLO: 6. Olivia Dinehart 2:40.90, 23. Sabrina Osorio 2:50.13, time drop 0.36; FGC: 9. Reese Andres, SAS 2:42.90, 18. Kate Kaplan, CC 2:47.30.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Megan Wheeler, NKB 2:15.21, 2. Brooke Manning, UN 2:17.78, 3. Sarah Sensenbrenner, SYS 2:18.64; SOFLO: 10. Elena Deinhart 2:23.17, 17. Mallory Schleicher 2:24.47, time drop 0.79; FGC: 13. Brynn Stoneburg, TCA 2:25.96, 19. Erin Miller, SAS 2:26.97.

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. Azura 3:56.46 (Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Sirena Rowe, Michaela Sierra, Julimar Avila), 2. Nepean Kanata Barracudas 3:59.27, 3. SOFLO A 4:03.36 (Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Mallory Schleicher, Maddy Smutny), 10. SOFLO B 4:11.32 (Nat Gembicki, Sally Golding, Gabriella DeLuna, Ana Villamil).

MEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Aryan Nehra, UN 15:54.17, 2. Advait Page, UN 16:04.59, 3. Ryan Erisman, LAK 16:18.93; SOFLO: 18. Ivan Grass 17:21.83, 20. Mateo Shearer, HAT 17:29.98, 23. Hashan Ekanayake 17:46.01.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Martin Espernberger, Bolles 2:01.25, 2. Gage Hulbert, Bolles 2:02.10, 3. Michael Mullen, Bolles 2:03.71; SOFLO: 10. Wisthon Rendon 2:08.37, 20. Enrique Rodriguez 2:13.27; FGC: 4. Dario Martin 2:05.63, 6. Gabriel Araya, Azura 2:07.04, 9. Landon Kyser, HAT 2:06.77, 23. Alfredo Dominguez, BMHG 2:14.96, 24. Nikita Efimov, OSC 2:17.17.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Andres Dupont Cabrera, Bolles 50.94, 2. Leif Bouwman, UN 52.41, 3. Jack Hall, Bolles 52.93; FGC: 9. Jayhan Odlum-Smith, Azura 53.10, 10. Esteban Nunez Del Prado, Azura 53.23, 15. Chase Foulds, SAS 54.19.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Michael Andrew, MASA 2:14.98, 2. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 2:17.35, time drop 0.16, 3. Dario Martin, OSC 2:22.03; SOFLO: 17. Javier Colmenares 2:27.54; FGC: 5. Giulian Martin CANE 2:23.26, 18. Lucas Young, CANE 2:28.60, 22. Gabriel Navarro, NMST 2:32.97.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Yeziel Morales, Azura 2:01.83, 2. Amadeusz Knop, SYS 2:04.21, 3. Luigi Granco, TPA 205.71; SOFLO: 19. Wisthon Rendon 2:14.54, 20. Austin Nelson 2:15.25, time drop 2.87; FGC: 4. Carlos Cobos, UN 2:05.92, 7. Patrick Doyle, SUN 2:10.93.

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. Azura A 3:32.26 (Davidson Vincent, Esteban Nunez Del Prado, Gabriel Araya, Yeziel Morales), 2. Trinity Prep 3:35.91, 3. Academy AC 3:37.98, 5. SOFLO A 3:43.56 (Alex Golding, Enrique Rodriguez, Javier Colmenares, Aldo Zepeda).

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

Julio Horrego, Elena Dinehart Top SOFLO Finishers At USA Swimming Southern Zone South Sectionals

By Sharon Robb
ORLANDO, February 12, 2022–Against a star-studded field, Julio Horrego and Elena Dinehart were South Florida Aquatic Club’s top finishers Saturday at the USA Swimming Southern Zone South Sectional Championships at Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.

Horrego, 23, a 2020 Honduran Olympian, was second in the 200-meter individual medley in 2:06.27. U.S. Olympian Michael Andrew, 22, won in 2:00.51.

Dinehart, 17, was sixth in the 100-meter backstroke in 1:05.93. Addison Sauickie, 16, of Sarasota Sharks won the event in 1:03.26.

In other finals:
Azura’s Yeziel Morales won the 100-meter backstroke in 56.57 to sweep the backstroke sprints.

Gracie Weyant of Sarasota Sharks won the 200 IM in 2:16.75 and Azura’s Nicole Frank Rodriguez was third in 2:18.68.

U.S. Olympian Natalie Hinds won the 50-meter freestyle in 25.45.

In the men’s 50-meter freestyle, Caeleb Dressel won in 21.89 ahead of morning fastest qualified Bruno Fratus of Coral Springs Swim Club in 22.20 and Michael Andrew in 23.32 after swimming the 200 IM.

Katie Ledecky won the 400-meter freestyle in 4:00.95. Michaela Mattes of the Sarasota Sharks was second in 4:12.04 and Blair Stoneburg of Treasure Coast was third in 4:15.35.

University of Florida freshman Aryan Nehra won the 400 freestyle in 3:39.65, the only swimmer to dip under 4 minutes.

The Speedo Championship Series four-day meet concludes Sunday with prelims at 9 a.m., time trials at 1:30 p.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

SOFLO has 34 swimmers qualified in 151 individual events and has 20 relay teams in 10 relay events.

Defending champion SOFLO made club history in 2021 winning back-to-back Southern Zone South Sectional Championships. In February, SOFLO won the combined team title, was second among women and third among men. In July, SOFLO won the combined team title and boys team titles and girls were second.

SATURDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
100-meter backstroke: 1. Addison Sauickie, SYS 1:03.26, 2. Megan Wheeler, NKB 1:03.60, 3. Maever Eckerman, SYS 1:04.76; SOFLO: 6. Elena Dinehart 1:05.93; FGC: 15. Brynn Stoneburg, TCA 1:08.34.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:16.75, 2. Julie Brousseau, NKB 2:18.43, 3. Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Azura 2:18.68; SOFLO: 14. Mallory Schleicher 2:24.90; FGC: 5. Heidi Smithwick, Jupiter Dragons 2:21.16, 8. Julimar Avila, Azura 2:25.93, 19. Ella Martinez, SAS 2:25.61.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Natalie Hinds, UN 25.45, 2. Sirena Rowe, Azura 26.19, 3. Manita Sathianchokwisan, Bolles 26.27; FGC: 7. Blair Stoneburg, TCA 26.82, 8. Kiara Caamano JUP 27.00, 14. Julimar Avila, Azura 27.54, 19. Sofia Jorge, MAC 27.51.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, UN 4:00.95, 2. Michaela Mattes, SYS 4:12.04, 3. Blair Stoneburg, TCA 4:15.35; SOFLO: 11. Maddy Smutny 4:27.72, 21. Olivia Dinehart 4:30.79; FGC: 13. Mariana Cote, MWA 4:28.94, 14. Brynn Stoneburg, TCA 4:29.49, 25. Ella Martinez, SAS 4:39.27.

400-meter medley relay: 1. Sarasota Shrks 4:16.69, 2. Bolles 4:20.28, 3. Nepean Kanata Barracudas 4:20.35, 7. Azura 4:26.32, 8. SOFLO B 4:28.76, 15. Midtown Weston 4:35.53, 18. SOFLO A 4:43.30.

MEN
100-meter backstroke: 1. Yeziel Morales, Azura 56.57, 2. Felipe Costa, TPA 57.78, 3. Luigi Franco, TPA 57.80; SOFLO: 19. Wisthon Rendon 1:01.52; FGC: 6. Landon Kyser, HAT 59.20, 7. Patrick Doyle, SUN 59.93, 15. Kyle Korvick, GRSC 1:01.29, 22. Michele Vandenbossche, Azura 1:02.37.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Michael Andrew, MASA 2:00.51, 2. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 2:06.27, 3. Dario Martin, OSC 2:07.45; FGC: 9. Esteban Nunez Del Prado, Azura 2:08.61, 14. Landon Kyser, HAT 2:13.55, 15. Nikita Efimov, OSC 2:13.69, 21. Giulian Martin, CANE 2:13.66.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Caeleb Dressel, GSC 21.89, 2. Bruno Fratus, CSSC 22.20, 3. Michael Andrew, MASA 23.32; FGC: 10. Leif Bouwman, UN 24.13, 24. Kyle Korvick, GRSC 24.95.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Aryan Nehra, UN 3:59.65, 2. Amadeusz Knop, SYS 4:00.41, 3. Kayden Lancaster, Bolles 4:05.58; SOFLO: 12. Enrique Rodriguez 4:12.17, 23. Ivan Grass 4:18.13; FGC: 7. Gabriel Araya, Azura 4:08.79.

400-meter medley relay: 1. Bolles A 3:46.88, 2. Azura 3:51.46, 3. Bolles B 3:53.93, 7. SOFLO A 4:01.42, 11. SOFLO B 4:07.71, 13. St. Andrew’s 4:12.99, 14. Heritage Aquatic Team 4:13.63.

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

SOFLO Dominates Final Session Of Plantation Swim Team Dual Meet; Jaden Amores Triple Winner

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, February 12, 2022—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers got in some good racing and fun in the third and final session of the South Florida Aquatic Club-Plantation Swim Team dual meet Saturday at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

Jaden Amores, 14, won three events. He won the mixed 200-yard butterfly in 2:02.52; 200-yard backstroke in 2:06.52; and 100-yard butterfly in 56.18. He was also second in the mixed 100-yard backstroke in 58.69.

SOFLO teammate Nicholas Pelaez, 15, won the mixed 200-yard individual medley in 2:07.43.

SOFLO’s B women’s 200-yard freestyle relay was third in 1:56.11 with Sophia Rodriguez, Jianna Amores, Jenesys Amores and Kaylee Del Rio.

Other Top 3 SOFLO finishers were:
Joshua Menezes, mixed 100-yard backstroke, second 2:37.00.

Maximiliano Remmele, mixed 200-yard backstroke, second 2:18.25.

Nicholas Pelaez, mixed 200-meter freestyle, third 1:53.63.

Juan Vallmitjana, mixed 100-meter breaststroke, third 1:09.78.

Matt McVeigh, mixed 200-yard backstroke, third 2:21.87, time drop 4.52.

SOFLO entered 125 swimmers (65 boys and 60 girls) in 714 individual events and 40 relays in four relay events in the three-day meet.

SESSION THREE RESULTS
Women 200-yard medley relay: 1. Plantation Swim Team 2:02.33, 2. Plantation Swim Team A 2:07.36, 3. SOFLO D 2:07.73 (Saree Young, Ainsley Miller, Kaylee Del Rio, Sofia Rodriguez).

Men 200-yard medley relay: 1. Plantation Swim Team A 1:41.59, 2. Plantation Swim Team B 1:52.92, 3. Plantation Swim Team D 1:55.75, 5. SOFLO D 2:03.24 (Maximiliano Remmele, Adrian Rendon, Nicholas Pelaez, Zachary Snigur).

Mixed 200-yard freestyle: : 1. Renato Herran, PST 1:47.72, 2. Andres Teran Santos, PST 1:52.44, 3. Nicholas Pelaez, SOFLO 1:53.63; SOFLO: 4. Felix Gonzalez 1:54.67, 8. Felipe Rodriguez 2:01.73, 12. Adrian Rendon 2:04.22, time drop 3.83.

Mixed 100-meter breaststroke: 1. Ivan Capalbo, PST 1:03.04, 2. Jose Robles, PST 1:07.47, 3. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 1:09.78; SOFLO: 4. Abraham Penaloza 1:10.35, 6. Felipe Rodriguez 1:11.11, 7. Matt McVeigh 1:16.77, 8. Ainsley Miller 1:16.89, 9. Ryan Harries 1:16.94, 10. Kenny Paas 1:19.28, time drop 1:42, 11. Luke Mercier 1:19.30.

Mixed 200-yard butterfly: 1. Jaden Amores, SOFLO 2:02.52, 2. Sebastian Lobaton, PST 2:04.08, 3. Gabriel Tortola, PST 2:10.90; SOFLO: 4. Juan Vallmitjana 2:15.00, time drop 4.49, 7. Sarah Vasquez 2:39.16, 8. Bruno Martins 2:48.33.

Mixed 200-yard individual medley: 1. Nicholas Pelaez, SOFLO 2:07.43, 2. Karl-Wilson Aimable, PST 2:12.39, 3. Juan Orjuela, PST 2:17.08; SOFLO: 4. Felipe Rodriguez 2:18.16, 7. Amanda Grubbs 2:21.77, time drop 0.55, 9. Abraham Penaloza 2:23.70, 10. Pablo Gomez, 2:24.49, time drop 0.18, 12. David Valdiviezo 2:29.08, time drop 1.49.

Mixed 100-yard backstroke: 1. Renato Herram. PST 57.52, 2. Jaden Amores, SOFLO 58.69, 3. Andres Teran Santos, PST 1:00.41; SOFLO: 5. Armando Bertea 1:02.32, 6. Maximiliano Remmele 1:04.54, 7. Juan Vallmitjana 1:04.90, 10. Amanda Grubbs 1:08.85, 11. Victor Valdiviezo 1:09.19, 13. Laila Harran 1:09.32, 15. Sarah Vasquez 1:09.88, 16. Sofia Gomez 1:10.68, time drop 0.02.

200-yard breaststroke: 1. Abraham Penaloza, SOFLO 2:36.32, 2. Joshua Menezes, SOFLO 2:37.00, 3. Anastasia Lutz, PST 2:43.87; SOFLO: 4. Luke Mercier 2:52.56, 5. Mia Guerrero 2:55.11, 7. Gianna Martin 2:56.19, 8. Christie Ann Lumsden 2:58.92, 9. Kaylee Del Rio 3:08.07, time drop 0.74.

200-yard backstroke: 1. Jaden Amores, SOFLO 2:06.52, 2. Maximiliano Remmele, SOFLO 2:18.25, 3. Matt McVeigh, SOFLO 2:21.87, time drop 4.52; SOFLO: 6. Victor Valdiviezo 2:26.61, time drop 1.08, 9. Alexandra Strong 2:37.94, 10. Kaylee Del Rio 2:42.71, 11. Dmitrii Berezin 2:43.17, 13. David Gonzalez 2:56.95, time drop 2.31.

100-yard freestyle: 1. Ivan Capalbo, PST 49.60, 2. Alex Kalil Mansur, UN 49.61, 3. Gabriel Tortola, PST 49.88; SOFLO: 4. Nicholas Pelaez 51.85, 5. Felix Gonzalez 53.14, time drop 1.28, 6. Juan Vallmitjana 54.29, 8. Armando Bertea 54.75, 9. Felipe Rodriguez 55.05.

100-yard butterfly: 1. Jaden Amores, SOFLO 56.18, 2. Andres Teran Santos, PST 56.28, 3. Juan Orjuela, PST 57.25; SOFLO: 4. Nicholas Pelaez 58.44, time drop 1.42, 5. Felix Gonzalez 1:01.15, 7. Armando Bertea 1:02.26, time drop 0.27, 8. Amanda Gruibbs 1:04.90, time drop 0.27.

100-yard individual medley: 1. Ivan Capalbo, PST 56.81, 2. Karl-Wilson Aimable, PST 58.27, 3. Alex Kalil Mansur, UN 59.68; SOFLO: 5. Armando Bertea 1:04.18, 9. Adrian Rendon 1:06.34, time drop 4.17, 10. Joshua Menezes 1:06.56, time drop 1.45, 11. Pablo Gomez 1:06.74, time drop 2.03, 12. Abraham Penaloza 1:06.97, 14. Maximiliano Remmele 1:07.99, 15. Ainsley Miller 1:08.82, time drop 0.70, 16. Ryan Harries 1:08.83, time drop 0.70.

Women 200-yard freestyle relay: 1. Plantation Swim Team C 1:47.41, 2. Plantation Swim Team A 1:48.32, 3. SOFLO B 1:56.11 (Sophia Rodriguez, Jianna Amores, Jenesys Amores, Kaylee Del Rio), 5. SOFLO C 2:00.30, 6. SOFLO A 2:00.87.

Men 200-yard freestyle relay: 1. Plantation Swim Team A 1:30.03, 2. Plantation Swim Team B 1:34.51, 3. Plantation Swim Team D 1:42.45, 6. SOFLO 1:49.49 (Zachary Snigur, Ryan Harries, Juan Vallmitjana, Nicholas Pelaez).

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