Aspen Avery is a constant presence on pool decks in the Holland area.
The West Ottawa graduate was part of the Panthers swim team and trains at Holland Aquatic Center.
Avery is a presence in the water, too.
The 29-year-old had his biggest moment in the water last week, winning the gold medal in the 50-yard butterfly (28.13), breaking the Special Olympics USA Games record in Minneapolis.
After the race, he was interviewed on deck and when asked to give advice for reaching records, he simply stated: “Swim like a shark.”
The event was televised on ESPN and Olympic legend Rowdy Gaines, who has called the Olympics for decades, announced the race.
The sport has been a home for Avery for the past decade.
Avery, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2, has swam for West Ottawa High School and Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics and many other places.
“Water and swimming have always been a calming activity for Aspen,” said Patrick Avery, Aspen’s father. “After trying a few different extracurricular activities, swimming was the one where Aspen felt the most comfortable.”
Avery started competitive swimming at age 5 in Grand Rapids with the Northview Swim Club, then trained with the YMCA Dolphins in Bradenton, Florida.
After returning to West Michigan, Aspen was introduced to Special Olympics and the Area 12 programs, and then the West Ottawa Swim Club in the summer months.
He earned a spot on West Ottawa’s varsity team as a junior and senior.
After high school, the Holland Aquatic Center and Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics became Aspen’s second home. He currently trains and competes with the Master’s program and volunteers at the HAC three days per week in janitorial services.
“He loves the feeling of being on a team and the friendships he has developed with Special Olympics. Aspen’s Area 12 Coach, Brian Marlink, has been influential in his training, and pushes all his athletes to do their best,” Patrick Avery said.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: West Ottawa graduate Aspen Avery wins gold at Special Olympics in record time
Reporting by Dan D’Addona, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan D'Addona, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
