Robinson Grad Swims at Olympic Trials

graduate Ricky Munch competed in the Olympic trials for swimming.  While he didn't make the semi-finals -- he placed 29th -- Munch said it was still an experience to compete with some of the highest-ranked swimmers in the word.

“It was an awesome atmosphere, swimming in that arena," said Munch. "The crowd was really, really excited, and it just made me swim so well,” he said. The Clifton resident swam the 100-meter breaststroke, and dropped a second and a half off his time in the race.

“It’s cool just being around them,” Munch said of the elite swimmers with whom he competed. “I watched them deal and operate under all the pressure; I took it all in, and I'll use it to try and make myself better,” he said.

Munch’s family and friends were there to cheer him on.  “It was really exciting to go there and watch him swim,” said his mother Marty Clark. “He has always had a great feel for the water.”

The 19-year-old University of Florida freshman has been swimming since he was five-years-old.  He swam at the in the summers. He also swims with Machine Aquatics, an Arlington-based swim club.

Munch continues to train year-round for upcoming meets, swimming at eight practices a week and lifting weights three times a week.