56 Year-Old, Curtis Lovejoy, Makes U.S. National Swim Team...AGAIN

After attending the 2012 Paralympics in London at the age of 55, Curtis Lovejoy is back in the USA and back to his winning ways.  In a recent letter to Cascade Patch, Curtis Lovejoy shared his excitement and accomplishment of making the U.S. National Team yet again.

Curtis is a graduate of Morris Brown College, and we have done a number of stories on him and his training at Adamsville Recreation Center.

Last week, Curtis wrote a letter to family friends after the U.S. National Swim Trials in Minnesota.

Dear Family, Friends, & Fans,
Last week swim trails, were very exciting and filled with great moments!!

Results:
1. Winner of 6 gold medals
2. Set New American record in 200m breaststroke

I once again, made the National USA Swim Team, and I am on my way to the World Championship in Montreal, Canada!

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
I want to take this opportunity to thank, everyone for their prayers, support & encouragement!!!!!!
I"ll keep everybody posted on the journey to the World Championship and my results.

Curtis Lovejoy,
Paralympic Gold Medalist

The list of Curtis' accomplishments just continue to grow and grow.  On the Team USA website, we found the long list of awards.  Cascade Patch wants to once again congratulate Crutis Lovejoy for his determination and success.  You are truly inspirational to all.

Check out his career highlights from the TeamUSA website:

Career Highlights:

• Currently Holds: 10 World Records, five Pan/AM Records & 14 American Records
• 2010 World Championship: gold (50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 150 IM), silver (200m freestyle), bronze (200m freestyle)
• 2006 World Championships: gold (150 IM, 50m butterfly), silver (50m freestyle, 200m freestyle), bronze (100m freestyle, 50m backstroke)
• 2006 Wheelchair Fencing World Championship: gold (foil, epee)
• 2004 Paralympic Games: 50m backstroke world record
• 2002 World Championships: gold (50m backstroke, 50m freestyle, 150 IM), silver (50m backstroke, 100m freestyle)
• 2002 Wheelchair Fencing World Championship: 1st American to win 2 gold medals
• 2000: First African American athlete to win gold medals in swimming and fencing at the 2000 Paralympic Games
• 2000: Male Athlete of the Year; announced just before Opening Ceremony 2000 Paralympic Games
• 2000 Paralympic Games: Set five Paralympics & World Records, became the first American athlete to medal in wheelchair fencing
• 1998 World Championship: gold (50m breastroke, 100m breaststroke, 50m freestyle), silver (100m freestyle, 50m backstroke)
• 1996 Paralympic Games: 50m backstroke world record
• 1994 World Championships: bronze (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke)
• National Swimming Champion: 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995