Lafayette Hill swimmer Reece Whitley has been named Sports Illustrated’s Sportskid of the Year for 2015. Whitley initially had interest in basketball, but eventually found his way to the pool. From the Sports Illustrated article:
While he still loves basketball, Reece, now 15 and 6’ 8″, is no longer on a team. But the sophomore at William Penn Charter School has won a junior national championship and holds five individual national age-group records in the pool, where he has become one of the top young swimmers in the country. His times in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke last year qualified him to compete at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials this June in Omaha, Nebraska. He’s also become a role model for young swimmers in his community and wherever he travels. “I’ve had so much fun watching him grow, continue to love the sport, and advocate for the sport,” says Crystal Keelan, the head coach at Penn Charter Aquatic Club (PCAC). “As he’s maturing, he’s wanting to spread the word about swimming and making connections with people of all ages.”
The announcement was made on Good Morning America. Here is the video: