Varsity swimmers Oliver Lee ’10 and Julia Pielock ’10 achieved great success in their respective events at the 2009 New England Swimming and Diving Tournament hosted by The Hotchkiss School.
Oliver Lee placed first at New England’s in the 50-yard free style for the second year in a row with a time of 20.71 seconds. Julia Pielock defended her first place crown at the New England Championship this past March in the 50 yard freestyle with an impressive time of 23.99 seconds
“I have never been more nervous than before that race.” However, during the race, Lee admitted there was no time to be nervous. “There is so much adrenaline flowing, you’re not thinking.” With this time Lee qualified for All-American while also setting a new record for the swim team.
Lee also placed first in the 100- yard freestyle, achieving All-American status. Lee, a part of the medley relay team placed second with an All-American qualifying time. During three years at Deerfield, Lee has received five All-American qualifying times, and three individual New England Titles.
Following the New England’s Championship, Lee traveled to Orlando, Florida, over spring break to compete in the Junior Nationals Tournament. On his trip, Lee placed first in the 50-meter freestyle making him one of the fastest under eighteen 50 freestylers in the country. After Deerfield, Lee hopes to continue his swimming career in college, and aspires to make the Olympic trials, a realistic goal, considering his is only .09 seconds away from the Olympic Trials qualifying time. When asked what idea could inspire other athletes, Lee remarked “anything is possible.”
Pielock’s winning time was not only a personal record but also a new record for the girls’ swim team. With her record- breaking time, Pielock is also being considered for All-American.
Pielock commented on her achievement, “I have to thank Ms. O’Donnell for being a supportive, helpful and energetic coach.”
Pielock began her swimming career at the age of ten, with the help of her club coach Bo Tamner at the Eaglebrook School. This summer, Pielock plans to swim with her club team to train for the New England Opens in July, and for the Long Course Junior Nationals in August. Next season, Pielock will lead the girls’ varsity swim team as a co-captain, with Sally Storch ’10.
After high school, Pielock also wants to continue swimming at the collegiate level. When asked what it is like to have a friend who is as competitive as she is, Pielock responded, “It is great. Oliver and I help push and motivate each other in order to keep improving our times.”
Keep your eyes on these two swimmers, as they are sure to keep breaking records, dominating their events, and making their imprint on the swimming program.