BRST's Taddonio Opens USA Swimming Futures Championships With A Bang

By Sharon Robb

CARY, N.C., August 2, 2018--Cameron Taddonio got off to a great start Thursday on opening day of the USA Swimming Futures Championships in Cary, N.C.

The Boca Raton Swim Team swimmer was fourth in the 1500-meter freestyle in a lifetime-best in 16:17.31 shaving 35 seconds off his previous best in the mile in his Futures debut at Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, N.C.

"What a great swim," beamed BRST head coach Allan Williams. "It was a super effort. I am very happy for him. That's the way we want to start a meet."

Taddonio was one of six swimmers in the field of 24 to swim under 16:20. Joshua Legge, 18, of North Carolina won the event in 16:07.59. Taddonio was the second top Florida finisher and top Florida Gold Coast finisher.

Taddonio, 17, a senior at Boca Raton High School and Florida State commit, has two events remaining. He swims the 200-meter freestyle on Friday and 400-meter individual medley on Saturday.

In the girls' distance event, Addison Smith, 17, of Baylor Swim Club won the 800-meter freestyle in 8:54.55.

It is one of four Futures meets held across the country. The championships are open to swimmers who are USA Swimming members and have achieved the time standards in one or more events. The summer meet provides swimmers with a new stepping stone between Sectionals and Junior Nationals. Some call the Futures meet a “junior” Junior Nationals.

Several other Florida Gold Coast swimmers and Florida teams are competing including Gator Swim Club, Tampa Bay Aquatics, Highlander, Area Tallahassee, TS Aquatics, East Coast Aquatic, Pine Crest Swimming, South Florida Aquatic Club and Blue Wave Swimming.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com