Courtesy of: The Morning News
Recently, the Aruba Swimming Federation – AZB – received the gratifying news that Aruban athlete Jemal Le Grand, who represented Aruba in the 2012 Summer Olympics, was cited by the Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald as one of the best swimmers of the high school competition season. Jemal is attending school and trainings in the US.
From August to November 2012, Jemal represented Sagemont College Preparatory School in Weston, Florida, with notable results. The schools are organized by distinct, region and size. The swimmers may compete in two individual events and swim on two relays only. Jemal competed in his best trials, the 100m and 200m Freestyle category.
During the first two months the schools competed against each other once or twice a week in the dual meets. The season culminates with the District Championship, followed by the Regional Championship and finally the Florida Championship. Jemal won the District Championship and Regional Championship in the 100m and 200m Freestyle category.
In the 4 x 50 Freestyle and 4 x 100 Relay Freestyle, the Sagemont School team won 2 gold medals in the District Championship and 1 silver in the Regional Championship. During the Florida State Championship, Jemal swam his best time ever in both the 100m and 200m freestyle categories, which earned him a silver medal. His team won 3rd place in the 4 x 100 Freestyle relay.
Both the Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald annually select the best athletes of every sports, naming them All Star athletes. The Broward County High School Athlete of the Year will be announced at a later date during a small ceremony.
At present Jemal is in his last school year. His achievement did not go unnoticed; various colleges and universities have offered Jemal the opportunity to continue his studies while joining their swim teams to compete at the NCAA level.
