17-Year-Old BAC Swimmer Competes in National Olympic Trials

Berkeley Aquatic Club swimmer Erin Barry of Millington competed at the United States of America, USA, Senior Nationals, the AT&T Winter National Championships, held Dec. 5 through 7.

Barry, a 17-year-old high school student, qualified for the meet, held in Knoxville, Tenn., at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center at the University of Tennessee. Qualifying for this meet is an accomplishment, since in an Olympic year, Senior Nationals becomes the Olympic Trials, and most swimmers who do make it are in college. 

Barry swam the 200 Breaststroke on Dec. 7, placing nationally 29th overall, and shattered the previous record at her home club by finishing the event in 2:16:89.  The Berkeley Aquatic Club Record for the 200 breaststroke for 17- to 18-year-old women is officially Barry’s.

Two other former Berkeley Aquatic Club swimmers also competed at Senior Nationals. Jennifer Shahar, 18, of Columbia University, swam in the women’s 4 by 50 Medley Relay, and Samuel Petersen, 22, of the University of Tennessee, swam the 500 Freestyle in 4:23:49. Both Shahar and Petersen competed with the Berkeley Aquatic Club Team while in high school and have gone to compete at their respective colleges.

On Dec. 12 to 15, Barry will be competing with 60 of her Berkeley Aquatic Club teammates for an International Swim Meet, the Star Short Course Invitational. Barry will compete there in both the 100 and 200 Breaststroke, the 200 and 400 Individual Medley, IM, and several other events.