Making a splash at the Junior Olympics

Local residents Conor Spinella, left, from top, Ryan VanManen, Dylan Van Manen, Dranoel Truter, Julia Pusateri, left, middle, and Amanda Agostino, Kimberly Chan, Jillian Pusateri, left, bottom, and Hannah Van Manen competed at the Metropolitan Swimming Junior Olympics last March 16–18, in West Nyack.

Courtesy Alexis Skelos

Local residents Conor Spinella, left, from top, Ryan VanManen, Dylan Van Manen, Dranoel Truter, Julia Pusateri, left, middle, and Amanda Agostino, Kimberly Chan, Jillian Pusateri, left, bottom, and Hannah Van Manen competed at the Metropolitan Swimming Junior Olympics last March 16–18, in West Nyack.

The students — who are largely from Franklin Square, as well as Elmont and Garden City — competed for the Long Island Aquatic Club, and placed first in the overall combined team competition. Individual results are posted online, at https://www.longislandswimming.com.

“These athletes have aspirations to become nationally ranked swimmers in the future,” said LIAC coach Ginny Nussbaum. “Their hard work and experience at the junior level will help prepare him for the road that lies ahead.”

The Long Island Aquatic Club regularly sends swimmers to compete at regional and national competitions, and recently qualified seven swimmers for the USA Swimming Olympic Trials, scheduled for this summer. For more information, visit LIAC’s website.