For many young swimmers, the grandiose nature of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s swimming facility would cause jitters.
By no means intimidated by one of Colorado’s finest pools, however, Delta Suckla exceeded expectations and produced impressive results at the Colorado Long Course Age Group Championships, which took place in Colorado Springs in July 27-29.
Competing first in the 50-meter breaststroke, Suckla swam a time of 40.67 seconds, which was good enough to place her 20th overall in the division for swimmers ages 11-12 and qualify her for finals. The 12-year-old standout swam even faster in the first final of her career and came through with a time of 39.65 seconds, which was good enough for 18th place.
Suckla then competed in the 100-meter breaststroke and swam a time of 1 minute, 31.91 seconds in her preliminary heat, which placed her 23rd overall and qualified her for finals. In the finals, she improved her time to 1:28.52, which placed her 17th overall in the event.
Although Suckla was the only Cortez Leopard Sharks’ team member who competed in the meet, her 15.5 total points were good enough to place the team 38th overall.
With the summer portion of her season now complete, Suckla will continue practicing in preparation for several fall and winter meets and next year’s summer season.