State of the Storm
JUNE 14, 2024
A Message from Coach Mary
The Olympics is an event that genuinely captivates me. I've always been drawn to amateur sports, and even though professional athletes now participate, the fierce spirit of competition between nations remains as strong as ever. This event happens every four years, where we see the best of the best from each country come onto a global stage. Imagine only getting one chance every four years to make an elite USA team. Swimming, gymnastics, and track and field dominate the summer games; making these teams takes work. If you don't make it, then the decision for some is, do I train another four years in hopes of getting a spot the next time? Ask yourself if you could dedicate and commit for four years straight with no guarantees at the end.
The Olympics, a symbol of unity and competition, is a special time for all nations and individuals involved. This year, we will witness both current and former Storm athletes vying for the chance to represent Team USA in Paris. This is a moment of significance, and we are thrilled to present a special 'Olympic Edition' of the State of the Storm with our team, celebrating their journey and achievements.
There are only 52 spots on the USA Olympic Team, and 796 swimmers have qualified to participate at the Olympic Trials next week in Indy. Our team has a lot to watch this year as the nation's eyes will be on our two alumni who have a chance to grab spots, along with four current swimmers who will make their mark at the meet. They have cemented their status as some of the fastest 18U swimmers in the nation.
Please join me in celebrating Anna Moesch, Emily Thompson, Kenny Barnicle, Garrett Gould, Jack Alexy, Matt Fallon, and Jesse Novak for participating in the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials, the most prestigious swimming meet in the United States!
GO TEAM USA!!
Athlete Spotlight: Garrett Gould
What is your favorite swimming memory?
My favorite swimming memory was breaking the YMCA National record in the 400 free relay with my teammates. It was so much fun to lead off a relay of great legs from start to finish and win a national relay title in record fashion. It truly solidified the strength of our men’s team that was becoming a greater asset to our combined team score.
Do you have a favorite meet or pool and why?
My favorite meet is NJ Meet of Champions because it’s an early championship-season meet in a low pressure environment to enjoy the fun of fast swimming alongside lots of friends. It’s also a lot of fun to go up against club teammates as rivals on different high school teams.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d want my younger self to find his process and enjoy it. It’s unbelievably important to find what your own goals are and what it takes to get there, and once you know what type of work it takes to get where you want to be, nothing can hold you back when you love what you’re doing. It’s so much easier to wake up at 6 am on weekends, go from a lift right to practice, or fight back from an injury when you look forward to challenging yourself every single day.
Who would you like to acknowledge as part of your journey to the Olympic Trials?
I’d like to acknowledge my coaches, doctors who’ve helped me get back to health this year, my lifting coach, my family, and some core friends who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Athlete Spotlight: Emily Thompson
What is your favorite swimming memory?
200 IM at finals at my first SCY YMCA Nationals in 2019 because it was my first time winning a final at a big meet.
Do you have a favorite meet or pool and why?
My favorite meet would definitely be Winter Junior Nationals because I get to swim a lot of events (2 per day), and it has a competitive atmosphere. Although I have a love-hate relationship with it, I have swam my best races (but also some of my worst) at Greensboro, but there are more good than bad, so I would say that the GAC is my favorite pool.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Focusing on the small details will take you far in swimming. Although the effects aren’t immediate, they eventually show up in a big way.
Who would you like to acknowledge as part of your journey to the Olympic Trials?
Coach Andrea - taught me how to practice with intention and race. Coach Rob - coached me to my first Trials cut in 2021. Coach Mary - has been helping me get better ever since. My parents - for sacrificing so much and always supporting me.
Athlete Spotlight: Anna Moesch
What is your favorite swimming memory?
Making my first Trials cut at Rutgers when I was 14, and competing at YMCA Nationals with winning relays.
Do you have a favorite meet or pool and why?
The World Cup at Budapest, Hungary with the USA National Junior Team, it was a super fun meet and a great experience.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
There is going to be a lot of hard times and let downs, but it is all a part of the process, and it is all worth it.
Who would you like to acknowledge as part of your journey to the Olympic Trials?
My sister and my parents have been the biggest support in my career. My sister was also a swimmer, so she has talked me through so many hard times.
Athlete Spotlight: Kenny Barnicle
What is your favorite swimming memory?
My favorite swimming memory is when I got my first Olympic Trials cut at Sectionals in Buffalo, NY. Competing at Olympic Trials has been a goal of mine since I was 9 years old. Achieving that cut was a dream come true.
Do you have a favorite meet or pool and why?
My favorite swim meet so far is the 2023 Winter Juniors at Ohio State University. The fun environment and fast swimming has made it the best meet so far.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Advice to my younger self would be that there will always be bad practices and meets, but it is how you come back from those experiences that make you great.
Who would you like to acknowledge as part of your journey to the Olympic Trials?
My coaches, teammates and family have all played an important part in my journey to the Olympic Trials. They have all supported me in different ways and I couldn't have done it without each of them.
What's Your Favorite Post-Meet Eats?
Swimmer's appetite is definitely a thing, and every swimmer has his or her go-to food after a grueling practice or a long meet. We asked our Olympic Trials qualifiers for theirs! Here's what they had to say:
- Anna Moesch: Raising Cane's
- Garrett Gould: Crumbl cookies and milk
- Jack Alexy: Orange Chicken from Panda Express
- Matt Fallon: any kind of chicken sandwich
- Jesse Novak: pizza and wings
- Kenny Barnicle: ice cream and cookies
- Emily Thompson: Raising Cane's fried chicken
Do these also make your list? What's your favorite post-meet eats?
How to Watch the 2024 US Olympic Trials
Each day has a prelims session from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with races to determine which athletes go to semi-finals and finals. The semi-finals and finals sessions take place from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Television coverage of every semi-final and final will air live on NBC and Peacock each night beginning at 8:00 pm.
Prelims will be aired on the streaming platform Peacock, with delayed coverage also being available on the USA Network. Alternatively, you can catch up on the action through other streaming platforms such as NBC, NBC Sports, and USA Swimming.
Lastly, please save the date for our very own GSCY Storm watch party!
GSCY Storm Trials Watch Party
We invite our GSCY Storm family to watch Wednesday's Olympic Trials finals during a watch party at the Hillsborough YMCA gym. There will be light snacks, fun games, activities, etc. Other YMCA members are also invited to attend. Important Note: Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult.
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Wednesday, Jun 19, 2024, 08:00 PM
Hillsborough YMCA, East Mountain Road, Hillsborough Township, NJ, USA
GSCY Storm Alumni In The News
Our GSCY Storm alumni Olympic Trial qualifiers have also been getting lots of attention (and deservedly so!) from the press as part of their journey to the Trials. Check these out:
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