HEAVY MEDAL: All eight Monroe County swimmers claim hardware at Special Olympic Region Games

Despite having to travel to Tampa Bay to compete in the Special Olympic Regional Swim Games, it was not a disappointment for the Monroe County delegation as the athletes and coaches brought their Conch Pride and then headed home with a full heart as well as several medals on Saturday, Aug. 26.

All eight of the Conch Republic Swimmers brought home at least one medal, with Kai, claiming gold in the 200-meter freestyle and silver in the 100-meter freestyle, Daniella, winning silver in the 25-meter relay and bronze in the 50-meter freestyle, and India, racing to silvers in the 25-meter relay and 25-meter freestyle, were each able to return to the Keys with two medals around their necks.

Jenn went for a goal in the 200-meter backstroke and fifth in the 50-meter freestyle, Michael was also gold in the 100-meter breast and sixth in the 100-meter freestyle, while Serena, with a seventh in the 25-meter freestyle, Amana, with sixth in the 25-meter freestyle, and Benny all were part of the silver winning 25-meter relay.

“Another amazing Special Olympics Florida-West Coast Region weekend,” said the Monroe County delegation via Facebook after the event.

A handful of the regional medalists will now garner a State Championship berth, which will be determined on Wednesday, Sept. 7.