RYE, N.Y. -- Before jumping into the pool for her race Tuesday, Taryn Becerra expressed her goal to Rocky Ledge assistant coach Michael Lu. 

“Taryn told me she wanted to make the finals,” said Lu, an incoming senior at Scarsdale High School. 

Becerra, representing Rocky Ledge Swim Association, accomplished her goal and did so with an excellent time, swimming the six-and-under 25 freestyle in 25.21 seconds at the Westchester County Swim Conference Championships six- and eight-year-old qualifier at Coveleigh Club.

The top eight finishers in each race and relay advance to the finals Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Westchester Country Club. The eight-year-old division will count toward team points. 

Becerra, who is beginning first grade in September, entered the race with a seed time off 33 seconds so her heat time was almost a full six seconds faster. Becerra, who won her heat, had the largest decrease in time among the eight finalists.

“Taryn definitely did an excellent job with her performance,” Lu said. “Everything she has been working on the past two weeks was there. Once Taryn got in the water, she was focused and had tunnel vision to the wall.” 

This focus and determination was on display immediately. 

“Taryn had moved a couple of body lengths ahead of her competition and I knew that she was going to have a really solid time,” Lu said. 

Once Lu greeted Becerra after the race, the six-year old was sporting a huge smile. 

“Taryn was really happy with the way she did because she won her heat,” Lu said. “I was really proud of her because of her hard work and progress which culminated in this swim.”

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