Hillsborough Swimmer Honored For Winning 9 Gold Medals

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Thomas Marcketta, a Hillsborough High School sophomore and swimmer, was honored by the Township Committee on Tuesday night for his accolades.

At the June 11 Township Committee meeting, Mayor Robert Britting, Jr. presented Marcketta with a proclamation recognizing him for his achievements in swimming.

"Thomas serves as an example to the youth of Hillsborough Township through his passionate advocacy for Autism Acceptance so that individuals can be free to be their authentic selves; we are very proud that he is a member of our community," according to the proclamation.

Marcketta has won a total of nine gold medals this year at the Somerset County Area Special Olympics Swim Meet and the Central Jersey Sectional Special Olympics Swim Meet combined.

He also participates on the Hillsborough High School Swim Team and swam in every high school meet this season, including the sectional championship and the state semi-final.

Marcketta is also a passionate and outspoken advocate for Autism Acceptance having participated in interviews regarding the need for acceptance with ABC, MyCentralJersey.com, the Big 10 Network, I Heart Radio, and the CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital.

In August 2023, Marcketta earned the Red Cross lifeguard certification and then the YMCA swim instructor certification.

His goal is to help the YMCA set up a program that would provide swim lessons to the special needs population.

Hillsborough High School Swim Team Coaches, Todd Sudol and Adele Morgan nominated Thomas for the 2023 NJ.com High School Game Changer Award in the Category of Best Athlete with a Disability and Thomas was one of three finalists in this category.

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