FORT LAUDERDALE – The City’s Swim Fort Lauderdale Masters Team claimed its first individual national championship at the 2012 United States Masters Swimming (USMS) Spring Nationals, which took place April 26-29 at the Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
 
Linda Webb became Swim Fort Lauderdale’s first USMS National Champion on Friday, April 27, when she placed first in the 50-yard breaststroke for women aged 65-69. Webb also placed first in the 200-yard breaststroke on Sunday, April 29.  Teammate Kelly Legaspi earned three additional national titles for Swim Fort Lauderdale winning the 100-yard breaststroke, 200-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley for women aged 40-44.
 
Linda Webb is a Fort Lauderdale resident who began swimming competitively at the age of 13 and continued throughout her high school years.  After giving up jogging in 2004 due to back injuries, she decided to return to swimming as a way to exercise and keep in shape. Webb was honored to become Swim Fort Lauderdale’s first national champion.
 
“It was a very emotional moment for me, knowing that the genesis of our team came about only because of the persistence and dedication of our coach, Marty Hendrick, and the support of the City of Fort Lauderdale,” said Webb.
 
Swimming is a family affair for Webb who is married to Ed Webb, a local official for masters and age group swim meets. They have two children and four grandchildren, several of whom volunteer as timers at local swim meets.
 
Kelly Legaspi has been a Masters swimmer since 2009 persevering through several injuries over the years including a shoulder injury and reconstructive knee surgery. In 2009, she earned six number one world rankings including three in Short Course Meters and three in Long Course Meters. In addition, she won three titles at the 2009 USMS Short Course Yards Championships.
 
Legaspi has two sons and is married to Dr. Adrian Legaspi who also participated in the 2012 USMS Spring Nationals placing in the top 10 for the 1650 freestyle.
 
A total of 1,863 athletes and 209 USMS teams with participants ranging from 18 to 95-years-old competed at the 2012 USMS Spring Nationals. Swim Fort Lauderdale hosted a team of 12 athletes at the event including Marty Hendrick, Swim Fort Lauderdale’s Masters Head Coach.
 
“I’m extremely proud of each and every one of our Masters swimmers,” said Coach Hendrick.  “The outstanding results at the Spring Nationals are a tribute to their hard work, dedication and perseverance.”
 
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex is home to the Swim Fort Lauderdale program. Open 364 days a year, the pool's legacy includes the Annual College Swim Forum, U.S. National Swimming Championships, YMCA National Swimming & Diving Championships, U.S. Masters National Swimming Championships, NCAA National Water Polo Championships, the USA Diving International Grand Prix and national and international synchronized swimming competitions.
 
For more information on Swim Fort Lauderdale, please call the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex at (954) 828-4580 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.