Long Beach honors Jessica as Aquatic Athlete of the Year
November 14, 2011
The Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation was founded to support aquatic events, clean water and water conservation efforts; and lead fundraising efforts to support local youth aquatics and “water proofing” Long Beach youth, refurbish and improve local facilities, improve access to pool and water related activities, and provide aquatic scholarships.
The amazing foundation recently named Jessica as the Aquatic Athlete of the Year on Thursday, November 10th. This is now Jessica’s second time receiving this huge honor (before in 2009).
Hardy was honored for capturing the world title in the 50 meter breaststroke and taking a silver medal in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai this summer. Three days later, she was crowned U.S. National champion by winning the 100 meter breaststroke in Palo Alto, Calif.
Hardy’s parents, Denise and Bill Robinson, accepted the award on the Long Beach native’s behalf as the swimmer was competing in the Minneapolis Grand Prix, the first leg of the 2011-12 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series.
The other finalists for the 2011 Aquatic Athlete of the Year award were: Cole Porter, diving; Howard Hamlin, sailing; Lauren Wenger, water polo; Tony Azevedo, water polo; Stesha Carle, rowing; Misty May-Treanor, beach volleyball; and Hank Wise, Dr. Lyle Nalli, Matt Mitchell, Ted Bramble, Parks Wesson and Lexie Kelly, all for open water swimming.
Visit the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation website.
