What a great first experience for our youngest at a Zone Championship where she was able to swim for Team Minnesota! I still can not believe that less than a year ago she was only dipping her toe into swimming and it was just a “fun” thing to do when she was not dancing.

In the past year she went from being in bronze to a silver swim group (highest for her age) and during that same time didn’t have a time for state in the fall to not only qualifying the maximum number at state but then geting 4 zone times securing her a spot on Team Minnesota as well as putting her in the two fastest relays. I can’t express how proud I am for all she has worked on this year with determination and focus. Seeing her happy about her own success this year in swimming as well as making memories with friends from her team as well as other Minnesota swimmers was just great to see.

Here are a couple of highlights from the Zone meet:

  • Her 100M free was her first race and she got 5th overall which earned her a medal
  • Was the 2nd leg of the 200 Freestyle extending the teams lead that ultimately allowed them to get 2nd overall
  • Helped anchor her 200 Meter Medley team (with the freestyle stroke) to give them a smashing first place victory
  • Got 6th in her individual 50 free which was really tight race because between 6th to 4th there was only a .02 second difference.

A young swimmer stands smiling with numerous medals draped around her neck and a green ribbon for 13th place in her hand. She is in front of a background featuring logos of USA Swimming and the Rochester Swim Club. Gretchen with all of her hardware

A young girl wearing a bright yellow t-shirt smiles while holding a medal in her mouth and showing a “number one” sign with her finger. She is adorned with multiple medals draped around her neck, standing in a busy indoor setting with people and Another pose with the hardware

A group photo featuring five individuals smiling together outdoors. They display a sense of celebration, with one girl wearing multiple medals around her neck. The group includes three girls and two adults, with trees in the background. The whole family came to cheer her on during Day 1

A young girl stands proudly in the center, wearing multiple medals around her neck, flanked by two adults who are smiling at the camera. The background features a blue tent, grass, and a few people sitting in chairs. Mom and Dad with the Swimmer

Three young people pose together outdoors. Two girls are smiling, one wearing a medal and a backpack, and the other holding a water bottle. A boy in a black t-shirt stands in the middle with his arm around one girl. They are in a The siblings after race 1 with their sister

Two young swimmers sit together at a poolside during a competition. One girl, wearing a swim cap and goggles, smiles brightly over her shoulder, while the other, wrapped in a light blue towel, grins at the camera. The background features a Hanging out with Friends was also a highlight of hers (even though it is a FoxJet friend)