Several local athletes will participate in the upcoming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis this weekend, June 14-16. Aaron Seymour, a Savannah Arts Academy alum and sophomore at the University of Georgia, secured his spot in the 100 backstroke. Gaby Van Burnt, a freshman at the University of Alabama and St. Andrew's School graduate, is making her second appearance in the 100 butterfly.
Additionally, HV Jenkins Alum Ty Scott and Benedictine Justin Thomas have made notable achievements in their respective sports, football, and baseball, showcasing the talent from the Savannah area.
SWIMMING - OLYMPIC TRIALS
This weekend, June 14-16,2024, swimmers will have the opportunity to participate in the 2024 Olympic Trials competition at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is the official home of the Indianapolis Colts, an NFL football team, to earn a spot to swim at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in a specially constructed pool.
Aaron Seymour, Savannah Arts Academy Class of 2022, is a sophomore at the 
University of Georgia and is headed to the Olympic trials in the 100 backstroke. On June 1, Seymour swam the 100 backstroke in 55.64 at an Olympic Trials tuneup, ensuring his first cut.
This year at Georgia, Aaron achieved his best times in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly, and 200 IM. He was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll. Additionally, per his bio on the Georiga Swim team page, he represents the team on the UGA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Gaby Van Burnt, St. Andrew's School Class of 2023, freshman at the University of Alabama, is making her second Olympic trials appearance in the 100 
butterfly. She is headed to the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter butterfly by 18/100ths of a second back when she qualified in March 2023. The trial's cut time is 1:00.19. She saw 1:00.01 on the board to make the cut.
In February of 2024, at the SEC Championships, Gaby finished 4th in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 51.68. During the 2024 Alabama swim season, Gaby Finished 1st three times in the 100 Fly versus Auburn, Kentucky, and Delta State. Van Burnt received the freshman of the Week award in the Southeastern Conference for her performance against Kentucky in January. She scored 33 points for Alabama in the dual meet, won a relay, and achieved two individual victories, 100 Fly and 200 Fly, against the Wildcats. In the 100 butterfly, she achieved her best time yet, improving by three-tenths of a second to 52.60. Gaby was also selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team to recognize her accomplishments during her first college season.
Football
Ty Scott, HV Jenkins Class of 2018, is getting a workout from the Seattle 
Seahawks of the NFL after having a standout season with the UFL's Washington Defenders. Scott was the leading receiver on the Defenders this season with 25 catches for 418 yards and 3 touchdowns.
College/Pro career - Ty played college football for Central Michigan and Missouri State. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
Baseball
Justin Thomas, Benedictine Class of 2023 and a standout athlete, recently earned 3rd Team NJCAA All-American honors. Throughout his time at Florida 
Southwestern State, Thomas had a batting average of.393, hitting 21 doubles, knocking out 14 home runs, and stealing 35 bases. He broke the program record for runs scored with 86. Thomas will transfer back to the SEC next season and play for the University of Arkansas. He started his college career at the University of Georgia before transferring to Florida Southwestern State.
PHOTO CREDIT: University of Georgia Athletics, University of Alabama athletics, Florida, Southwestern State athletics, UFL
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