Pioneer Athlete Spotlight: Emma Meriam

Ygnacio Wood Swim Team. Age: 13. Sport: Swimming.

Meriam has been swimming since she was five-years-old and was “very surprised” this summer when she posted her first-ever county qualifying time, in of all events, the breaststroke. She quickly lists butterfly and freestyle as her favorite events, but she is looking forward to her first Contra Costa County meet competing in the breast and individual medley. “I’ve been trying so hard [to make county].

It was a real thrill,” Meriam said with a big smile. She still has the Concord Swimming Championships next weekend to clip off the .6 of a second she needs to get a county time in the fly. She began swimming for the Vista Diablo Dolphins and has been with Ygnacio Wood since the 7/8 age group. She recently turned 13 but has a good “swim birthday” and competes this summer in the 11/12 age group. Her head coach Maddie King says, “Emma puts in effort in all aspects of her swimming– at practice, at meets and even in just having fun and supporting those around her. It shows in her races and in the many friends she has made through the years on this team. She recently got county times in breaststroke and IM and with her friends in the medley relay.” Meriam is an incoming eighth grader at Foothill Middle School and is looking forward to going to Northgate High and hopes to be a member of the Broncos swim team. She takes part in fall and spring swimming clinics to supplement her summer rec team training. Her three siblings—Tommy, Mia and Max—also are part of the Ygnacio Wood Seahorses.

The Concord Pioneer congratulates Emma and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.