Brandon of Mission Aurora Colorado Swimming posted several best times at the meet held in Guam including bettering her 200M backstroke time that she posted in the prelims at the Olympic Trials last summer in Omaha. (Seen here).
In both the 100M and 200M back in Guam she finished 9th although her times were fast enough to move her into the finals. She, however, wasn’t allowed to advance because of a competition ruling that allows only the top two qualifiers per team to move on to the finals. Proof once again that USA has incredible depth.
The U.S. National Junior Team is comprised of roughly 125 swimmers. Each is 17 or younger in the case of the girls or 18 and younger for the boys. To qualify for the 2008-2009 team, swimmers had to obtain time standards last summer at either the Olympic Trials, U.S. Open or Speedo Junior National Championships. (The qual times were so challenging that there were no qualifiers for the boys 200M back).
Brandon and Missy Franklin of Colorado Stars are the state’s two lone representatives. Only the top two qualifiers per event from the National Junior Team were selected to compete in Guam. In May, Franklin will participate in a Junior Team competition in Vancouver.
For a swimmer’s perspective on the Junior Pan Pacific meet, check out these blog posts from the team captains or visit team member Nick Dinnocenzo’s site .
