Fisher claims three medals

Costa Mesa resident Tom Fisher, 12, won three medals at the Southern California Swimming Junior Olympics, completed Aug. 6 at the Marguerite Recreation Center in Mission Viejo.

Fisher was one of five local athletes representing the Newport Beach-based Central Orange Coast YMCA junior swimming program.

Also at the event were 12-year-old Emily Robertson of Costa Mesa, Jack Launder and Marissa Robertson of Costa Mesa, and Scott Grew of Newport Beach, all 10.

“We’re a second-year program, and we only sent two swimmers to the Junior Olympics last year,” Coach Craig Bluell said. “It has just been a wonderful program and a great group of kids.”

Fisher finished third in the 11- and-12-year-old boys’ 50-meter freestyle (28.08 seconds), fifth in the 200 free (2 minutes, 16.19 seconds) and seventh in the 50 butterfly (32.06).

The top eight finishers in each event received medals. Fisher also finished 11th in the 100 free (1:03.89).

“He was seeded fifth in the 50 free, and 11th in the 200 free and 50 fly,” Bluell said. “Those were some very good swims for him.”

Emily Robertson swam the 11-12 girls’ 50 fly in 36.67.

Launder swam the 10-and-under 100 backstroke in 1:39.24.

Grew competed in three 10-and-under boys’ events. He completed the 100 back (1:31.48), 100 free (1:20.80) and 50 back (41.69).

Marissa Robertson, competing in the 10-and-under girls’ division, swam in four events: the 50 breaststroke (47.22), 50 free (34.90), 100 breaststroke (1:43.82) and 100 free (1:23.14).