Local swimmer wants to represent the U.S.

WELLINGTON, Fla. - Harper Bruens spent the first half of her summer preparing to compete for the chance to represent her country. The 17-year-old from Boca Raton High School traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, where she participated in the U.S. Olympic Trials. Being in the YMCA of South Palm Beach County brought back memories for the swimmer.

“This is (where I had) my first lessons in this actual pool right now,” Bruens said. “It's pretty cool to actually come back and see where I first learned how to do my first flip turn and everything. ”

Bruens went on to begin her high school career by breaking several records.

“We kind of thought maybe we'll see where this goes,’” Hope Bruens, Harper Bruens’ mother, said. “But to get that Olympic Trial experience and to get to go to trials was incredible. ”

Harper Bruens finished her senior year of high school with two state championships and last week she swam in the Olympic Trials. Bruens will attend the University of Tennessee in the fall, where she has accepted a full swimming scholarship.