Whiz Kid: Vega Makes Waves Literally

What originally started as an obsession with baths, showers, and sprinklers turned into a larger love of water for Patrick Vega.  

This Wildwood resident and freshman swimmer just qualified for, and will be attending, the Missouri Grand Prix swim competition on Feb. 18-21. He also attended the meet in 2010 as an eighth grader.

The 2011 Missouri Grand Prix showcases some of the top swimmers in the world, as well as the next generation of swimming stars.  It will be held at Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, MO.

The Prix is held under the sanction of Missouri Valley Swimming, Inc., on behalf of USA Swimming, Inc.

Vega said his short-term goal is to attend Summer Junior Nationals.  "Long-term, I'd like to qualify for the Olympic trials," he said.

When Vega was younger, he said his parents told him they couldn't keep him out of the water.  "I participated with a summer (swim) team in Texas, and then we moved here. The Wildwood summer swim team had too many 8-year-old boys, so they suggested I try out for the Rockwood Swim Club (Association)," he said.

He has been swimming on the Rockwood team for the past six years, which is sponsored through Rockwood's Community Education program.

Vega said he enjoys traveling and competing on the team.  "My coach for the last three years, Mary Liston, RSCA national team coach, is very motivating, and makes us want to do well," he said.

To prepare especially for the Grand Prix, Vega said he has been training hard, eating right and staying healthy.