When Devin Dilger started swimming competitively at age six, you can say he dove in with both feet and has never looked back!

It was a great move, as the Eisenhower senior is now less than one percent of all USA student swimming athletes who have qualified for the U.S Olympic Team Trials.

“I am told by my coaches that the U.S. Olympic Trials is the hardest meet a swimmer will ever swim in, Dilger said. “I feel good that all of my hard work and dedication over the years has given me the opportunity to reach my milestones along the path that I have set for myself so far."

He qualified for the Olympic trials in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, which further places him among a handful of athletes earning entry at his age.

Dilger has been swimming since a young age, initially competing locally until he was ten, when he began competing at state level.

In 2016, he took part in the “MEGAZone competition" where he placed second and third among top national swimmers.

This year, he competed with “OLY Swimming” at top meets across the country, including several that included professional and Olympic swimmers.

Dilger said that throughout his swimming journey – which will continue next year at University of Florida – he has had tremendous support from Utica Community Schools.

“I’ve had many teachers over the years that have helped shaped me,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for (Assistant Principal) Kat Walker and  (Counselor) Thomas Versele as they have helped my family and I through the past two years with school and my recruiting process. This year I am very thankful for the Virtual Academy which has afforded me extra time foe my studies and creates better harmony with my training.”

The Olympic training includes being in the pool nearly every day and weights. The trial will take place in June in Indianapolis.

“I am so grateful and humbled to be competing at this level,” he said.