YOTA: GOING FOR THE GOLD

The nation’s best swimmers are competing in Omaha, Nebraska June 25 – July 2 to determine who will represent the USA in the Olympic Games in London. Seven current and former YMCA of the Triangle Area (YOTA) swimmers are diving into the action.

“At the YOTA Swim Team, we have a team-first focus. We work hard at the long-term development of our athletes,” says Chad Onken, YOTA Swim Team Head Coach.

YOTA Swimmer Charlie Houchin 
2010 GETTY FILE PHOTO - GETTY IMAGES

The success of the YOTA Swim Team makes spectators wonder if there is something special in the water. Head Coach Chad Onken laughs off that theory. He credits some old-fashioned methods for the team’s lightning speed.

“We have the best coaching staff in North Carolina. And, our goal-oriented athletes simply get the job done.”

Those athletes are Sabrina Benson, Charlie Houchin, Dominick Glavich, Joe Bonk, Zach McGinnis, Colin Ellington and Nick Walkotten, who also serves as an assistant coach of the YOTA Swim Team.

“I am a coach first and an athlete second, says Walkotten, “It has been a juggling act to make sure I'm prepared to coach my groups and also find enough time to train myself. Wearing both hats has allowed me to maintain my athleticism by training smarter, not just harder.”

The competition is fierce. More than 1,800 swimmers are vying for 26 slots on the men’s team and 26 slots on the women’s team.

“I'm even more excited for the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympic Trials,” says Onken. “I know YOTA will be taking even more athletes.”

For a schedule and results go to usaswimming.org. You can also keep tabs on our YOTA swimmers on the YMCA of the Triangle website.