Speedo Junior National Championships Recap (July 31-August 4, 2023)

The hot weather continued down in Irvine for Jr nationals, and Beach Cities was once again in fine form! Beach Cities had 3 Individual qualifiers competing in Irvine, Bella Brito, Delaney Herr and Jack O’Shaughnessy. This was their last meet before the summer break and the last meet of Long course season. I’m beyond proud of these three athletes, they have had an incredible season full of ups, downs and plenty of learning opportunities. I hope they get some well-deserved rest because the short course season is going to be exciting for these three athletes! Bella, Delaney, and Jack thank you for a great last swim meet, and thank you for being you!

Bella Brito
Juniors was definitely a learning experience for Bella, she didn't walk away with the results she had hoped for, but she did walk away with valuable lessons and a hunger to attack this upcoming short course season. Bella, I was very impressed with your attitude and how you carried yourself all week long in Irvine. Don’t let one minor setback define your swimming and who you are. There are big things coming your way but remember to work for it, and of course, be real with yourself! I’m proud of you Bella!

Delaney Herr
Delaney started the year with no individual Summer Junior cuts, she ended the season with 3 hard cuts, a handful of bonus cuts, and most impressively a B final swim scoring a point for Beach Cities Swimming! Delaney, I hope your head is being held high, your growth this season has been incredible to watch! It is no easy feat to qualify for finals at Juniors, you were 16th in the nation and no one can take that away from you! I hope you are getting your well-deserved rest, bigger meets, bigger finals and more points are on the horizon for you!

Jack O’Shaughnessy
This was Jack’s first Junior Nationals, but it won’t be his last! After having a career meet at Futures and walking away with 100% best times, Jack came down to Irvine a little under the weather but he didn’t let that deter him. Jack swam the 200 Back and the 100 Back and he was right off his best times set last week in Sacramento, both of his times in Irvine were faster than his seed times at Futures. Jack, the progress you have made this year has been a joy to watch and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. You have proven to everyone that you belong at the fastest meets in the country and I can’t wait to see what short course season has in store for you!