It feels great to know that all my time in and out of the pool has paid off in the best way. Especially in times like these, it’s great motivation to continue to work hard.
Vera Conic, Palatine Tiger Sharks Swimmer
On the weekend of November 14-15, between the beautiful FMC Natatorium and Prospect High School, the Palatine Tiger Sharks had a weekend full of racing ahead of themselves. The team was fortunate enough to compete at all during a disjointed 2020 season. Two races stood out over the weekend, both by up-and-coming star Vera Conic.
On November 14, Conic competed in the 100-yard backstroke and was able to crack USA Swimming’s all-time top 100 list for 11–12 year-old girls, coming in at 80th overall with a 57.77 finish. Conic set the bar even higher less than 24 hours later. Competing in the 200-yard backstroke, Conic not only found herself breaking the Illinois Swimming state record, but was back on USA Swimming’s all-time top 100 list, this time coming in at 21st. With a time of 202.66, Conic convincingly broke the previous Illinois Swimming state record of 2:03.66.
“I always like to work towards certain top times,” Conic said. “My goal times, which were recently state record times, are always in the back of my head to help me work harder.” When asked about landing on the top-100 in USA Swimming overall, Conic responded, “It feels great to know that all my time in and out of the pool has paid off in the best way. Especially in times like these, it’s great motivation to continue to work hard.”
“During practices, Vera is a hard worker, coachable athlete, and fun-loving teammate,” said Tiger Sharks Coach Dustin Thompson about Conic’s training regimen and dedication to the sport. “Throughout the months when pools have been restricted, Vera trains on her own via dryland and creativity in backyard pools and lap swim with the incredible support of her family.” When asked about the momentous race, Coach Thompson continued, “I believed that Vera had put in the work and had a record-breaking swim in her. The fact she accomplished it on her first 200 yard backstroke race in almost a year made it a wonderful surprise.”
Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team is a USA Swimming, multi-ability-level program that offers competitive opportunities, technique development, and fun for swimmers ages six and older. The goal of the team is to provide members an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at their level of ability. The swim team is divided into progressive groups under the direction of Head Coach and Swim Team Coordinator Tony Gallagher. Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team is a program of Palatine Park District.
For more information about the Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team, contact the Swim Office at 847.202.3240 or visit their website at ppdswim.org.