45°
NORWALK, Conn. The Marie Corridon Mortell swim meet Saturday at Norwalk High School featured Fairfield County boys and girls 10-and-under who represent the champions of the future.
As much as the meet is about the present and future of area swimming, it is also about the sports past. It is named after the only Norwalk athlete ever to win an Olympic gold medal. Mortell won hers in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay at the 1948 London Olympics. Three of Mortells daughters attended Saturday's meet and brought with them their mothers gold medal and other memorabilia. The Olympic champion died in 2010.
The meet is run by Zeus Swim Club and coach Omar Cruz, who named the competition in Mortells honor last year. Teams from Greenwich, Stamford and Darien were among those competing. Mortell's daughters Sheila Stolarski, Kate Mortell and Margaret Montesi attended.
This meet means a lot to our family, Westons Stolarski said. Its really important to us. Its a great idea that Omar had to honor her.
Mortell was the most accomplished swimmer ever to come out of Norwalk. She won the national championship in the 100 freestyle in 1948 and again in 1950. The U.S. freestyle relay set an Olympic record in 1948 in London, which hosts the event again this year.
Its important to keep that history alive, Stolarski said. When she was living, people would call her every four years like clockwork. Its nice to have an event where she can remembered every year.
Seven of Mortells grandchildren are keeping the familys swimming tradition vibrant in the pool. So does Stolarski, who was a multiple masters champion last year. More than anything, however, the meet promotes physical activity and teaches children that its possible to achieve their dreams.
The sport is becoming so popular, Stolarski said. Its great to show kids its possible. Its all about trying to inspire kids to do their best in everything they do. They learn a lot just by trying.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
