Alex Tran, age 17, qualified this year for the YMCA National Swimming Championship by going 2 seconds faster than the qualifying time in the 200 yard breaststroke. Four years ago he could barely swim. His mom, Rosanna Tran, remembers Alex as, “Shy, always stuck in front of a computer, and almost overweight.” Now, he swims for the YCF Swimming team at the YMCA Aquatic Center.
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Before and After - Alex Tran[/caption]
Alex didn't transform into an athlete overnight. His passion for swimming began when his family was at the Y. A member of the YCF swim team showed Alex a few strokes and eventually, he talked Alex into joining the team. Alex said, “The only stroke I knew was the breaststroke, but he taught me how to do the other strokes and how to swim fast.”
Alex was hooked, and at age 13, he joined the YCF Swimming team under Coach Mel Nash.
“Alex was older, but with this team it didn't matter,” said Rosanna Tran.
The training and inspiration from the team and Coach Mel Nash paid off. Alex grew into a remarkable swimmer, and swimming impacted many areas of Alex’s life. Alex became the captain of Cypress Creek High School’s swim team and was a volunteering at the Special Olympics and the Y. Swimming also brought his health problems to and end.
Swimming is also shaping Alex’s future plans. He has been accepted to Duke, Emory and the University of Florida. If he goes to Duke or Emory, he will swim on the college team.
At the Y, we exist to strengthen our community. One way we do this is through our Aquatics programs. So, join our cause today, like Alex did, and enjoy getting fit or connecting with family and friends at our pools. You never know how it will shape your future.