Evening Sun Report

NORWICH – Ashley Collier became part of a select group to qualify for YMCA Nationals when she earned a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in April of this year. Only one significant event remains in her long YMCA swimming career, and she is achieving a first in Norwich YMCA swimming history.

Collier, who initially qualified for Nationals in the 200-yard breaststroke, subsequently qualified for the YMCA Long Course national championships in College Park, Maryland this weekend. She met the national cut-off time in the 200-meters, while also qualifying in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Collier will swim in an Olympic-length, 50-meter pool against the best swimmers in the nation. She is also the first YMCA Dolphins team member to swim in the Long Course Nationals. “I’ve worked so hard to get to nationals, so to go to nationals in Maryland is amazing,” Collier said. “Just to swim my best time is my only goal.”

Until last year, Collier best performances met the YMCA New York State cut-off times, but not the national times. Training under the tutelage of YMCA Fitness Director, Shannon Gawronski, the past year, Collier underwent a weekly regimen of weight training specific for swimmers to complement her usual swimming workout.