Cardinal Gibbons teen representing Team U.S.A. places 10th in Olympic semifinals
Posted July 25, 2021 6:45 p.m. EDT
Updated July 25, 2021 7:14 p.m. EDT
Cary, N.C. — A Cary swimmer representing the United States in the Tokyo Olympics placed tenth in the 100-meter semifinals last night.
While she didn't place high enough to advance to finals tonight, her family and friends are beaming with pride.
Claire Curzan is only 17 — one of the youngest athletes participating in the Olympics.
She swam in the semifinals with a time of 57.42.
"It’s still surreal that she’s even there," said Claire's father, Mark Curzan. "To have the opportunity to race for our country with the American flag on her cap has really been an amazing experience."
Her parents, Mark and Tracy Curzan, are in Orlando with other Team USA families to watch the games.
"Bummed out a little bit we couldn’t’ be part of the opportunity with her in person in Japan but we had the opportunity to watch on TV some of the races," he said.
The Curzans say that their daughter, a rising senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School, loves to win and hates to lose.
"We did hear from her yesterday, and she was certainly disappointed with her results," said Tracy Curzan, Claire's mother. "It wasn’t exactly what she was hoping for."
But her parents assured her they are proud of her no matter what. There is another chance Claire could represent Team USA again in the relays.
These decisions are made last minute and usually comes down to what the coaches want and need.
