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Gruen Qualifies for USA Championships

She may be only twelve, but Deb Gruen (HNHS) does not let her age or much else stop her from achieving her goals. Last year, Deb set her sights on the USA Swimming Disability Championships and through much dedication and hard work has now qualified for seven events at this nationally and internationally renowned event.  The USA Swimming Disability Championships will be held in Indianapolis June 23-25th at the IU Natatorium, one of the premier aquatic facilities in the world.  Deb will be joining approximately 200 other elite athletes for this championship meet which is also the selection meet for the 2000 Paralympic Games. Deb is leaving for Indianapolis with two goals in mind: to earn a medal, preferably gold, and to exceed the qualifying time in the 100 freestyle for the Paralympic Games.  

Rick Lucan, Deb's coach, portrays Deb as an "all-around great kid".  She is dedicated to swimming, school and her family.  Rick feels her commitment to training and her wonderful attitude are key factors to her success.  Deb currently trains 4-5 days per week with the HNHS team.  Deb began her swimming career as a toddler, accomplishing a flip-turn at age three and then as many younger siblings do, she followed her older sister into competitive swimming, competing for the last six years.  Deb realizes the importance of training but also enjoys the friendships that swimming has brought.  Hanging out with friends at practice and meets is very fulfilling and fun.  Aside from swimming, Deb enjoys playing the violin, rollerblading and talking to friends on the phone! Currently a student at Cold Spring School in New Haven, Deb will be attending New Haven Hamden Hall next year.  

Joining Gruen in Indianapolis will be Dana Albrycht (OAK).  Dana, a veteran of the USA Swimming Disability Championships, will be attempting to qualify for the 2000 Paralympic Games.  Dana swam in the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta with a best finish of fourth, but this year's goal for Dana is to take the gold and a few world records; a reasonable goal considering he swam near world record times at the University of Vermont this past season.  The 2000 Paralympic Games will be held in Sydney, Australia October 18-30th. 

With minor to no modifications, disabled athletes are incorporated into a team's daily practice as well as USA/CSI swimming meets.  Connecticut Swimming meets  can be the springboard to the national meets, but more importantly they provide a positive atmosphere where athletes come to compete learning to win and lose. Swimming is a sport where everyone competes, no one sits out on the bench, and where the objective clock determines race outcomes.  Success is met at all levels and for all swimmers.  

For more information regarding adapted swimming please contact John Herd, Adapted Swimming Chair  jherd@renbrook.org or office@ctswim.org  

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