The official induction won’t happen until next August, but don’t let that stop you from congratulating 2015 Brockport High School alum Nick Olson for his induction with two others in the Class of 2021 into the Section V Swimming Hall of Fame.
“I never saw myself as someone who would end up being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Olson said via email. “As a kid, I remember reading about the athletes I looked up to like Kara Lynn Joyce (Webster & Three-time Olympian) and Ricky Henahan (Irondequoit) being inducted into the Hall of Fame and thought about how hard they must have worked for that honor.”
Olson departed high school as an All-American with four Section V titles and still has his name on two Section V records in the 50-freestyle (:21.01) and 200-freestyle relay (1:25.21) with teammates Nathaniel Bartalo, Brandon Amthor, and Joe Williams.
But it is not the records or even the Section V championships that he tabs as his favorite moment.
“I would say that my favorite high school swimming memory was during my senior year at the Spencerport holiday relay meet.
“Our entire team was having a really good time, and the atmosphere at the pool was exhilarating. Everyone on the team knew how badly I wanted to break that 21-second barrier. I had the entire team behind me before the 200 free relay and was finally able to accomplish that goal I had worked so long to achieve. I really can’t think of a more exciting time in my swimming career than that.”
Olson went on to swim for Division I Virginia Tech, graduating with a degree in Human Development, and enlisted in the United States Navy.
“I am currently stationed with the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard where I take part in ceremonies held within our nation’s capital. Upon completion of this tour, I plan to attend the Navy Legalman school and carry out the remaining four years of my contract as a Legalman.”
According to the Navy website, this involves an intense, 11-week training course in military justice, court-martial procedures, legal assistance, and administrative, civil, operational, and procedural law. The course includes classroom instruction and practical application, after which one could assist judge advocate officers in the litigation of military cases or provision of legal assistance or provide legal support on a command or admiral’s staff.
“Being inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame is an incredible honor. Knowing that my name will go up next to athletes I looked up to makes me very proud of the time and dedication I put into the pool.”
