[CSI HomePage] [What's New] [Back Mailings]
Deborah Gruen, 13, took four first place medals and broke three American Records at the USA Disability Championships which began Friday June 22nd, at the Phoenix Swim Club in Arizona. This internationally renowned meet attracted athletes from as far as Australia and was the largest USA Disability meet ever.
Deborah broke her own American Record in the 100M Fly (S7) with a 1:57.33 and then took the 800M Freestyle (S7) American Record with a 13:01.44. Deb also finished first in the 400M Freestyle and 1500M Freestyle; she was the first American to swim the 200 Fly in her classification, taking second overall. Her sixth event, the 100M Breast, brought her a fourth place.
Training year round with Hamden North Haven Swimming and Coach Rick Lucan, Deborah hopes to make the 2004 Paralympics, to be contested in Athens, Greece.
News Flash!! USA Swimming has awarded Deborah the American Record in the 200 Fly bringing her American Record total to three. She is the first athlete ever to swim this event in her classification.