Whiz Kids: Academy Bullets Swim Club 8U Girls Relay

Each week, Lemont Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.

We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Local Editor Amanda Luevano at amanda@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the information included below.

And without further ado, this week's Whiz Kid are...

Whiz Kids' Names: Keara McGowan, Natalie Zych, Sira Limbu, Maia Italia

Whiz Kids' Age: 8

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: On Dec. 4, the Academy Bullets swim team participated in the St. Charles 8 and Under Classic. The 100-yard medley relay team—composed of Keara McGowan (backstroke), Lemont resident Natalie Zych (breaststroke), Sira Limbu (butterfly) and Maia Italia (freestyle)—took first place, breaking both meet and team records.

The team's time of 1:12.80 smashed the old meet record of 1:15.63, set in 2009. The time also beat the Bullets' team record of 1:13.11, set in 2008.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Natalie Zych, a Lemont resident, has been swimming competitively since she was 5 years old. According to her mom, Joan Zych, the key to her success is that she works hard during practice and listens to her coaches.

"All four of the girls are focused on being the best swimmer they can be, so when they go to practice they give 110-percent effort," Joan Zych said. "They work well with each other and help to pump each other up before either individual races or team relay races."

The Academy Bullets is a year-round competitive swim team that swims out of three locations, the closest being Lewis University in Romeoville. They are coached by Illinois Swimming's Age Group Coaches of the Year, Todd Capen and Mike Laurich.

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Thanks to a partnership with Nancy's Pizza, each Lemont Patch Whiz Kid will receive a certificate good for for one small Super Thin Crust cheese pizza.

Whiz Kids may redeem their certificate at , 1240 State St. For more information call Nancy's Pizza Lemont at 630-243-0033.