Cruz Storer Beats Two Maui County Records in Latest Home Swim Meet
February 8, 2023
Cruz Storer, a 12-year old swimmer from Lahaina Swim Club (LSC), made waves at the latest home swim meet in Lahaina on February 4th, 2023 by beating two Maui County Age-Group records. Cruz's impressive performance in the Boys 11-12 100 yd Freestyle event saw him finishing at 53.19 seconds, beating Vincent McNabb's 2017 record of 54.13 seconds. And in the 100 yd Backstroke event, Cruz broke another Vincent McNabb's 2016 record, finishing at 59.29 seconds, compared to Vincent's finishing time of 59.99 seconds.
Cruz joined LSC in the summer of 2018 and has been training with a team of dedicated coaches, including coaches Jen, Gabby, Kirsten, and Ryan, with his main coach being Coach Tom Popdan who has been training Cruz for the past 4 years. When asked about what he loves about swimming, Cruz says, "If you put in the effort and hard work you can achieve good results". He loves the competitiveness of the sport and how it encourages perseverance, discipline and good habits.
What Cruz likes most about LSC is his team. "Not only are a lot of them my close friends but the entire team is supportive, inspiring and all hardworking", says Cruz. He loves that he can do this sport with his older brother Legend and younger sister Haven.
Cruz is grateful to have Coach Tom who always shows up, rain or shine, to provide the best possible training for his team. Cruz says, "I couldn't ask for a better sport or team to be a part of." When asked about his inspiration, Cruz cites Duke Kahanamoku, and draws his strength from God and his ohana. Cruz's record-breaking performance at the latest home swim meet in Lahaina showcases his hard work, dedication, and talent in the sport. The future looks bright for this young swimmer as he continues to break records and inspire others.