NDP’s Becca Meyers, a record setting swimmer in 2011
By Cami Colarossi, Notre Dame Preparatory School
When swimmer Becca Meyers steps up on the starting block, she looks like all the other swimmers on the deck--strong and sleek. But, when she hits the pool she often blows the competition out of the water. In fact, this medal-winning swimmer has been earning gold as a member of the United States Deaf Swim team (USDS).
Dominating the 2011 World Deaf Swimming championships in Portugal this summer, Becca, a junior swam to success earning four gold medals. Meyers, primarily a distance racer, won her first medal—a bronze —in 2009 with the team in the 4x200 relay finals when she competed in Taiwan.
Becca, a member of Notre Dame Prep's (NDP) championship team, was part of a strong U.S. swim team that surprised many other countries with its domination. She won three individual golds (200-meter, 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle races) setting new world records in both the 400 and 800 freestyle heats, and one team gold. In the 800 Free Relay, she, along with her other three teammates, captured that gold as well as broke the deaf world record with a time of 8:49.55.
“This year I set a goal for myself to get a gold medal in the 800 free and I did succeed! The other three gold medals were a great surprise!” says the affable swimmer.
Becca’s hearing loss is the result of Usher Syndrome, which also affects her balance and may ultimately steal her vision one day. But for now, she is the one stealing medals from competitors and staring down her disease. She remains focused on succeeding in the pool and making memories of her milestone junior year.
“A lot of things keep me motivated while I am training,” says Becca, citing specific time goals, meets for which she hopes to qualify, the chance to compete internationally for the USDS among as a few examples of what inspires her during training.
Becca can keep swimming as a member of the USDS through college (up to age 25) as long as she continues to qualify. Given her incredible talent, enduring commitment to training, and impressive ability to set and achieve her goals time and time again, expect to see records fall and medals won for years to come.
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