Letters to the Editor

I would like to thank you for the articles you have printed concerning Leah Shackley’s training and quest to be able to swim for the USA at the summer Olympics in Paris in July. By the time you read today’s paper we should have a pretty good idea if she has qualified in any of her events.

Quite a few from the Cove and Hollidaysburg/Altoona area have been watching her train for the last 5 years at the Blair Regional YMCA and feel she has a good chance to qualify, and if she doesn’t make it this time, it’s not lack of training or desire. She is competing with mostly college age swimmers who are swimming for their schools. We are amazed at the day’s, hours and training techniques she has gone through.

From the time Leah started training at the Y we (she calls us her Grandmas) knew she was special. Her determination and drive to train and personality are genuine. We all feel like she is one of ours and are as proud of her as if she is our own and she treats us like that. In her Coach Tom’s interviews he always states that she is genuine and she truly is. We are so proud of her and wishing her the very best. This is also a sad time for us because she will be heading to North Carolina State in the fall and will be swimming for her school.

We are so proud to be called her Grandmas.

Linda Hileman

Martinsburg