Submitted by the Rutherford Swim Association
Photo credits: Coaches Mike Lazzara and Christopher Dunn
The Rebel Aquatic Club competed against swimmers from all over the state of New Jersey at the 2022 Junior Olympics held on March 12th-13th as well as March 18th,19th, and 20th. The Junior Olympic Championship is a competition for swimmers who have earned NJ elite-level swimming times, making this meet a highly competitive competition. The Rebel Aquatic Club started in 2020 by Rutherford Swim Association was limited in its ability to compete during the 2020 - 2021 season due to COVID 19.
The 2021-2022 Rebels consisted of athletes from all over the Bergen, Essex, and Passaic Counties who were excited to compete at their first-ever Junior Olympic Championships. The Rebels were able to make a big splash and in doing so, demonstrated commitment, dedication, team spirit, and athleticism. The extraordinary accomplishments of Emma Pereira included 7 Gold Medals, 1 Silver, and an overall high point champion, Ayden Chiu included 5 top ten finishes and earned a trip to the Eastern Zone Championships, Nicholas DeSopo rounded out the 12 & under scoring with a top 16 place finish. The 13 & older Junior Olympic scoring contingent made their own waves this year. Greg Farnum came within a whisker of qualifying for the 2022 Eastern Sectional Championships, Zariah Townsend scored in multiple events earning a trip to the Eastern Zone Championships, Adrian Gonzalez scored in multiple events, while Joey Lu ended the meet with his best ever 200 breaststroke race.
Photographed below: Emma Pereira, Coach Christopher Dunn, Atticus Chee, Nicholas DeSopo, Emma Pereira, Coach Michael Lazzara, Ayden Chiu, and Ariana Bracho.
The Rebels had many other standout performances led by:
Ariana Bracho Atticus Chee Daniel Chung Charles Groh Brian Mulligan Delilah Rango Isabella Sotto Nicole Szwaczka Zariah Townsend Natalia Wdowiak
The Rebels will now set their sights on the Tampa Florida GTSA Spring Championships.
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