As America watches its athletes perform on the world’s highest stage, Crozet saw a familiar face diving into the pool. Western Albemarle Senior Thomas Heilman qualified for this year’s Paris Olympics in the 200-meter and 100-meter butterfly.
To highlight Heilman’s achievement, Western Athletics and the senior class hosted a watch party on July 30th, open to the community. It featured cornhole, Team USA paraphernalia, and a crowd full of excitement. Many of Heilman’s teammates came out to support him, including senior Sam Bledsoe. “It was really cool watching someone I’ve known for a while compete at the highest level.”
Heilman swam an impressive race in the 200 m butterfly, finishing in 10th, just two places shy of making it to finals. However, this did not dim the mood of the watch party, as the crowd broke out in cheers, celebrating his race.
Another watch party will be held this Friday from 2:00-3:30 where Heilman will swim the 100-meter butterfly. People in the Western and greater Crozet Community are once again encouraged to come out and cheer on Heilman with their Warrior pride. Bledsoe hopes to see even greater support later in the week; “Everyone should definitely come out again on Friday and watch him swim the 100 fly.”
