LINCOLN, Neb. — Having shaved off several seconds in each of his preliminary races, Logansport swimmer Sam Fawley is off to a strong start at the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games, which opened Monday.
Fawley, a member of Team Indiana aquatics, is competing individually this week in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 25 butterfly. The preliminary rounds for those events concluded Tuesday, with Fawley trimming 3 seconds from his qualifying 25 fly time (:18.67) and 5 and 7 seconds, respectively, from the 50 (:30.18) and 100 (1:08.25) free times.
“It was excellent, I couldn’t ask for very much more,” said Jason Broderick, a coach for Team Indiana aquatics.
As final-round competition got under way Wednesday, Broderick was optimistic about the medal hopes for Fawley and the rest of Team Indiana.
“I think they’ve done a great job so far,” Broderick said after preliminary rounds Tuesday. “Everyone’s had excellent times and we’re looking forward to the future.”
Fawley got the bronze medal in the 50 freestyle with a time of :29.76.
In addition to his individual events, Fawley is participating on Team Indiana’s 4-by-100 freestyle relay team, along with Mitch Johnson of Muncie, Jordan Sisco of Jeffersonville and Ryan Brogan of Indianapolis. There qualifying time was 4:12.
The finals for the 400 freestyle relay are this morning and Fawley as well as his coaches and teammates were cautiously optimistic about the team’s chance at a gold medal.
“That’s one that I’m excited about,” said Fawley. “I know we’re going to do a good job for sure. … I’m looking forward to the relay having a great swim.”
In addition to the competition, Fawley said one of the highlights of his trip so far was meeting and having his photo taken with Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics Inc., following the opening ceremonies Sunday.
He said he’s also enjoying spending time with his teammates on campus at the University of Nebraska.
Competition will conclude Friday with athletes participating in the closing ceremonies.
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