Taking place from Jul. 28 to Aug. 7 in Houston, Texas, the 2021 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics brought together athletes from across the country to compete against one another in various sports.

Two Marlow High School students attended the event for the second time as members of the Bison Aquatic Club.

Juniors Karsten Terrell and Gage DaVoult competed in various swimming events and brought home several medals and ribbons for their strong performances while also setting new personal records in their events.

Terrell competed in four individual races and two relays and placed sixth in the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 3:58.97.

He also participated in the 200-meter freestyle relay where he and his teammates finished with a time of 1:46.87. 

Terrell’s achievements were accomplished through years of hard work and dedication through his participation in the Bison Aquatic Club and the MHS swim team.

“I practiced five days a week for almost six years,” stated Terrell. “My favorite part of the Junior Olympics was dropping time in my events and having good swims because it felt good, and I felt accomplished.”

Like Terrell, DaVoult raced in four individual races and two relays, finishing in 19th place in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:26.39 and receiving fourth place alongside his teammates in the 400-meter freestyle medley that finished with a time of 3:58.53. 

DaVoult’s achievements were a result of hard work and six years of swimming experience.

“My favorite part was winning medals because they are cool and big,” stated DaVoult. “I also  enjoyed getting to hang out with all my friends at the biggest meet of the summer.” 

Both Terrell and Davoult will take their experience from the Junior Olympics and use it to positively impact the 2021-22 swim season at Marlow High.