TYR Age Group Swimmer of the Month – Colleen Konetzke

Summers are long and hot in Texas, so kids can be found in pools, lakes and rivers for many months. Colleen Konetzke began swimming at the age of 7 because her parents wanted her to be confident and proficient in the water. Now 12, Colleen is a member of the San Antonio Wave. She started her swimming career with early success in the breaststroke, but she is now focused more on freestyle and butterfly.

At this summer's regional championships (STAGS) in Austin, July 7-9, Colleen finished first in the 200 meter fly in 2:41.98, setting a team record in the process. She was also second in the 400 free (4:54.62) and 100 fly (1:13.72); fifth in the 100 and 200 free (1:05.89 and 2:21.32) and 50 fly (33.01); and seventh in the 50 breast (39.01).

Earlier this year, at the Texas Open in Austin (June 30-July 2), Colleen was victorious in the 50 and 100 meter fly (32.88 and 1:15.06). She also finished fourth in the 100 free(1:06.04) and 400 free (5:03.31); fifth in the 200 free (2:26.39); seventh in the 50 breast (40.68); and eighth in the 100 breast (1:29.60). Colleen is a good friend, who can be heard cheering for her friends when it is not her turn to swim. She attends a local Catholic school, where she is taking honors classes and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She also plays violin and runs cross country in the fall. She loves to be with her friends, go shopping and play with her dog, Pepper.

Candidates for "Age Group Swimmers of the Month" must compete within a nationally recognized age group. Please send a personality sketch and a color photograph or digital image (a face shot, such as a school picture) of each nominee. You can request a Swimming World Magazine Age Group Swimmer of the Month Profile Form, which can be used as a guide for submitting the nomination. Send everything to Swimming World Magazine, Age Group Swimmers of the Month, P.O. Box 2033, Sedona, AZ 86341, or by e-mail to JudyJ@SwimmingWorldMagazine.com. TYR Sport sends each Age Group Swimmer of the Month a package containing a swimsuit, goggles and a T-shit for the swimmer's coach.

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