Zimcosky secures qualifying times
This is the next installment in a continuing series of articles over the next year where we follow the progress of our local Olympic hopefuls.
Emily Zimcosky did what she had to do Tuesday night at Laurel Highlands by securing WPIAL qualifying times in the 50 and 100 freestyles.
The Geibel Catholic senior was given access to a free lane during the Laurel Highlands-Belle Vernon non-section match, although she only needed to use the space for just over a minute.
Zimcosky easily hit the time in the 100 freestyle of 56.80 seconds, touching the wall in the four-lap race in 53.28 seconds. She swam the 50 freestyle as the Lady Leopards and Fillies were starting in the 200 freestyle relay, finishing in 25.13 seconds.
“I was happy with my 100 freestyle,” said Zimcosky. “I had a safe start on the 50 (after her shaky start on the 100). I need to work on the start.”
Zimcosky is swimming this weekend in the 54th Annual Christmas Meet at the University of Pittsburgh, so she just wanted to do what needed to be done Tuesday night.
“I’m resting down a little bit for the Pitt meet I’m going to this weekend,” said Zimcosky.
Her times Tuesday night got the job done, but Zimcosky expects more by the time the finals roll around in February.
“I need to be around 24.5, in the low 24s, for the 50. That should put me with the swimmers in the top final,” explained Zimcosky. “For the 100, just as long as I fall into the ranges around 56 or 53 (seconds), I should be okay.”
With no team around her, Zimcosky works with a swim club in Morgantown.
“I’m very focused as a club swimmer. I take advantage of being an individual. I am also doing swimming club meets. I plan out (my schedule) methodically. I need to get racing to see where I am. I need to see if I need to ramp up or not,” said Zimcosky.
Zimcosky qualified for the 2016 Olympic trials in the 50-meter freestyle and signed a letter-of-intent to attend Ohio University next fall. The focus turns to closing her remarkable high school career on the top step of the awards podium.
Zimcosky is the three-time defending champion in the WPIAL Class AA 100 freestyle and has won the past two golds in the 50 freestyle. Despite her successes in the district meet, Zimcosky has not won a PIAA gold medal. She aspires to do so to join the 1978 boys basketball team as a state champion.
“Being blessed enough to qualify for the trials, I’ve learned to make a decision and trust that decision. I have this planned out,” explained Zimcosky. “It’s a nice thing (to qualify for the trials as a high school senior). I wouldn’t hold back, not to strive to be the greatest I can.”
All aspects of her athletic and academic careers seem to keep falling into place.
“I’m very excited about everything that’s happened. I’m enjoying my senior year in swimming and in school,” said Zimcosky. “I’m very pleased.”