Sean Gay Excels in the Pool

Sean Gay, a 12-year-old from Somers, recently swam in the Eastern Zone Age Group Swimming Championships in State College, PA. 

Gay was part of a group of 80 swimmers from Connecticut ranging in age from nine to 18 that traveled as a team to the event. The event includes the best swimmers from 11 states in the North East United States.  

Gay participated in six individual events and four relays. He won both the 100 meter and 200 meter freestyle individual events and was also part of the winning 400 meter freestyle and 400 meter medley relay teams.  

In the 400 meter medley relay, Gay needed to overcome a two second deficit to win the event in the last few meters over the team favored to win from Potomac Valley.

Gay’s recent performances rank him amongst the top 25 swimmers in the country for his age group.  

He swims for the SONOCO swim club in Tolland and is coached by Marci Berlinski.

More about Sean Gay

1. When did you start swimming? What got you started?

I started swimming when I was two years old in my back yard pool. I started on a swim team when I was six. I started because my Dad was a swimmer and he says it’s the only thing that makes me tired!

2. What is your favorite swimming moment?

My favorite swimming moment was just recent at the Zone Championships in the 400 medley relay. We were close to two seconds behind when my leg started. So I jumped in and gave it all I had. When I touched the wall and looked at the timing board I realized that I won it for the team. It was very exciting!

3. What do you do to get ready for a swim meet?

I listen to my iPod, lately it’s been the Beatles that calm me down for a race. I get very excited before I start and music helps. I practice a lot as well, upwards of 8,000 yards/day during the middle of the season. I got up everyday this summer at 6 a.m. for practice so I haven't had much of a summer!

4. Do you play any other sports? 

I used to play baseball but that bored me too much so I took up lacrosse this season and I like the action.  

5. What are some of your hobbies when you're not swimming?

Swimming doesn’t leave much time for other hobbies except eating and sleeping.