From Pool To Podium: Darien Boy, 11, Raises Thousands For Research While Chasing Olympic Dream

Despite being a sweet, quiet, and well-behaved eleven-year-old, Shep Jennings is unstoppable in the water, garnering honors, recognition, and the admiration of the Connecticut swimming community.

With over $9,000 raised, 11-year-old Darien resident Shep Jennings was one of the biggest fundraisers for Fairfield County’s Swim Across America this year.

But Shep wants to help physicians combat cancer by using his aquatic skills.

The fifth-grader from Darien is using his passion for swimming to help raise money for Swim Across America, which will take place in Stamford on Saturday, June 21. He is one of the top individual fundraisers for Swim Across America Fairfield County this year, having already contributed more than $9,000 to cancer research.

Donations are still being accepted by the group.To contribute, click here.

Other Swim Across America activities are happening nearby.To find some in your region, go here.

Before the competition, he said, “I’m still reaching out.” I hope that both my total and the money raised for cancer research continue to rise.

Shep was taking part in the tournament for the second time. He raised over $3,000 last year.

According to Caroline Jennings, Shep’s mother, he was swimming before he could walk. She found a mommy and me swim class while she was looking for something entertaining to do with her newborn while she was living in Texas.

His mother remarked, “He just loves to be in the water,”

Shep hopes that class was the first step toward his Olympic aspirations.

The family has now relocated from Texas to Brooklyn and then to Darien, with Shep’s love of swimming with them everywhere. That pastime soon came to define his early years.

He now trains four to five days a week at Shorehaven Golf Club and the Darien YMCA, where he swims competitively with the Darien YMCA Piranhas. In addition, he plays water polo, and this summer, he and his squad are going to Italy.

Shep claimed that his motivation to assist people originates at home.

We place a lot of importance on community involvement and fundraising, according to mom Caroline.

Shep’s grandmother passed away from ALS, and the family has been actively involved in raising money for research into the condition.

Shep won state championships for his age group in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke events. In addition, he placed third in the 100-meter freestyle and second in the 200-meter individual medley.

Shep is excited about his future with swimming at Middlesex Middle School as he enters the sixth grade. In order to attend his home-state university, the University of Texas, where he loves the Dallas Cowboys, he hopes to be awarded a scholarship.

He attributes his achievement to encouraging friends and family, especially his sister Emmaline, age nine, who supports him at every turn. Despite her preference for dancing, music, and theater, she is incredibly proud of her brother’s achievements.

Hopefully, Connecticut as a whole will join Emmaline in supporting Shep as he achieves his Olympic goals.

To learn more about Swim Across America, click here.