Submitted by Dana Brandorff
Olympic hopeful Missy Franklin will be on hand to sign autographs at the First American State Bank Fitness Festival Sept. 11. Photo courtesy of Dana Brandorff
Together with former Denver Bronco Ed McCaffrey, Olympic hopeful and local swimming phenom Missy Franklin will be on hand at this year’s First American State Bank Fitness Festival on Saturday, Sept. 11 to sign autographs.
Autograph signing sessions may be a little new to Missy, but according to all prognosticators she better get used to it, as her John Hancock is anticipated to be one of the most sought-after signatures at the 2012 Olympics in London. But for now, Missy is content to practice every day and achieve a little local celebrity at this year’s First American State Bank Fitness Festival.
“I am really excited for the experience and look forward to meeting all the participants at the Fitness Festival,” Missy said.
The Regis Jesuit High School sophomore and Centennial resident is a household name in swimming circles, and has been called a shoo-in for the Olympics. The 15-year-old just returned from Irvine, Calif., where she competed for and achieved a berth on the Pan Pacific Team and qualified for the World Championship team. The second youngest swimmer to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2008 when she was 13, Missy has established herself as a rising star in the swimming world.
Missy began her Olympic dream when she was barely older than a toddler. At age seven she made the Colorado Stars club swim team and hasn’t looked back.
“I’ve always loved the water,” Missy said.
Her schedule is grueling. With two-hour practices once or twice a day five to six days a week and dry land exercise twice a week, Missy makes it look easy. But juggling before and after school practice with the rigorous academic requirements of Regis is a lesson in time management. How does she do it? Sheer drive and supportive and loving family and friends help her through.
“My parents and friends can tell when I’m stressed and need to take time off. They drag me away from my training schedule and sanction a little time away,” Missy said.
In the midst of her wild and crazy schedule, Missy wants to give back to the community and her way of doing so is by helping out at the First American State Bank Fitness Festival.
She said, “The people of Colorado have been so supportive, so I want to help out and be involved.”
So, drop by the First American State Bank Fitness Festival on Saturday, Sept. 11 and meet a future Olympiad.
For more information on the First American State Bank Fitness Festival or to register for the event, which includes the Kaiser Permanente 5K run/walk, post-run food, silent auction and entertainment, visit www.fasbfitnessfestival.com.
