2016 Rio Olympian, Cierra Runge was back in Delaware over the weekend. Runge, stopped by the Newark area pool, where she trained and coached, to inspire the next generation. The 6’4″ freestyler’s visit brought back memories of 2012, the year the pool’s swim team went undefeated.
Many at the pool remembered the atmosphere of excitement around the pool, when Chris Collier, who now coaches at the University of Wisconsin, was the pool’s manager and Runge was on the pool’s swim team. In 2012 Collier was also an assistant coach to Bob Bowman at the North Baltimore Aquatics Club, which was home to a Michael Phelps.
Many at the pool remembered cheering on Runge in her 2012 bid to qualify for the Olympics. Although she fell short that year there was no doubt that she would make the 2016 games, one recalled.
As a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley, Runge won the 800 freestyle relay, breaking the NCAA and American record. The next day she won the 500 freestyle, breaking the NCAA record. She finished fourth in the 200 freestyle and won the 1,650 freestyle breaking the Pac 12 Meet Record.
In her bid to make the 2016 Olympics team, Runge made the decision to sit out the 2015-2016 season to train with Bob Bowman, who is now at Arizona State. She also announced that she would transfer to the University of Wisconsin after the Olympics.
It’s no surprise to many at the pool that Runge has chosen to leave the University of California, Berkeley to join Collier at the University of Wisconsin.
Image Credits: Nottingham Swim Club