Like a fish in water

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She strokes like a butterfly and swims like a fish.

Rockville Centre resident Lauryn Johnson is a champion swimmer at 14 years old. She has many accomplishments, medals and wins, which include being number three in the nation for the 200-meter and the 100-meter butterfly stroke among girls her age.

“I like the 100 butterfly,” said Lauryn. “I like it because it’s not too long and not too short.”

In July, she made new best times — 1:02.13 in 100-meter and 2:16.62 in 200-meter — for the butterfly stroke at the National Swimming Club Association Junior Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana. “I was really happy when I touched the wall saw that I came in first for the heat,” said Lauryn.

“My goal next year is to go on to Olympic trials,” said Lauryn. “And maybe the junior national team, which is 18 and under.” The trials are in Omaha, Nebraska next June. Swimmers must qualify by 1:01.19 for the 100 Butterfly and 2:14.99 for the 200 butterfly — about a second and a second and a half off of Lauryn’s best times.

“It would be a really great experience to go over there and race against Olympians,” she said.

Lauryn’s mother Tara said they first put her in a pool in San Francisco when she was six months old. “We gave her lessons that early on,” Tara said. Lauryn started swimming with the Long Island Aquatic Club in the 2010-2011 season, which she credits for taking her to the next level, especially her coach, Ginny Nessbaum.

In the future, Lauryn wants to use her swimming skills and academics to get into a good college. In the meantime, she is about to start ninth grade at Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, after kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Agnes Cathedral School.

Lauryn said that she tries to balance her training with schoolwork, alternating between the two throughout the day. And when she’s at school or training — she’s sleeping.