Ridge Senior Wachenfeld Qualifies for Olympics Trials

senior swimmer was one of the fortunate 1,250 swimmers to qualify to compete in the Olympic Trials from among the 300,000 members of USA Swimming, the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States.

On June 2, Wachenfeld qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which will be held June 25 to July 2nd in Omaha, Nebraska.

As a member of the Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team— —  Wachenfeld swam the 400-meter freestyle in 3.59.90, a new team record and an Olympic Trial qualifying time for the Somerset Hills team.

Wachenfeld will compete at the Olympic Trials along with former Somerset Hills YMCA teammates, Greta Leberfinger, of Chatham, competing in the 100-meter breast, and Kyle Madley, of Madison, competing in the 100-meter back.

"I can't believe I made the qualifying time," Wachenfeld was quoting as saying after his qualifying swim. Surrounded by Wachenfeld’s cheering grandparents, his mother, also watching intently from the stands, said she has never seen her son so happy.

Jeff Wachenfeld, Bradley’s father, served as back-up timer and said, "Bradley has worked so hard for this day," he said.

As a member of the Northern New Jersey YMCA Swim League, the Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team competes year round in both YMCA and USA sanctioned swimming events providing swimmers the opportunity to compete on a dual meet team and participate in Championship meets.  Long course training is offered over the summer months for advanced competitive swimmers.

Swam faster when saw teammates

Teammates stood along the pool cheering as Wachenfeld raced his eight lengths.  "Each time I saw them, I swam faster," said Wachenfeld, "Especially the last 50 meters."

"It was a special race," said the YMCA’s Coach Peter Barry.  "Bradley has gone above and beyond to achieve something truly remarkable." Meet officials were equally impressed with his achievement. One official, Sarah Levine of Harding, stated, "Watching Bradley achieve a lifelong goal was so rewarding for the volunteers and officials!"