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Tretyakov inks Alabama scholarship
Andrey Tretyakov, award-winning swimmer at Bob Jones High School, has signed a scholarship with the University of Alabama. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Andrey Tretyakov, state record-setting swimmer at Bob Jones High School, signed a scholarship with the University of Alabama (UA) on Nov. 9.
“The UA swim team was very gracious with its offer of about three-fourths per year,” Tretyakov said, “which will cover my tuition and fees, books and silver meal plan for all four years. I’m extremely humbled and grateful for what they’ve given me because it helps my family and me tremendously.”
This summer, Tretyakov entered Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. “I experienced something only one percent of swimmers in the nation get to experience,” he said. “Even though I had only maintained my seed time, I gained a ton of great memories and many learning opportunities.”
“I didn’t make the Rio team; I still have much to learn. But it’s the high goal in the next four years when 2020 Tokyo comes around. The process begins now,” Tretyakov said.
At eight years old, Tretyakov started swimming after his mother signed him for lessons. “My health was poor, constantly getting sick and near asthmatic. After just two years, my health improved drastically.”
Tretyakov sees his main strengths “come from my family and team. I’ve gained a strong confidence (not cockiness) in my abilities, because I trust the process with my coaches and support from my family, regardless of the final result.”
Tretyakov’s family moved to Madison in 2012 so he could attend an outstanding school, like Bob Jones. His mother, Oksana Simonenko, teaches pre-kindergarten at First Baptist Church of Madison. His father, Dmitriy Tretyakov, works at Qualitest as a project manager. Andrey’s brother Michael is a fifth-grader.
Andrey has swum for Madison Swimming Association about 10 years. He received All-American awards as a sophomore and junior.
At UA, he was amazed at the team’s strong unity and knowledgeable coaches. “They not only focus to excel in the pool but also in classrooms and life. Alabama is a growing powerhouse team in the swimming world,” Andrey said. “I hope to become a part of this rising tide in the next chapter of my life.”
He may major in civil engineering. “I’ll work to hopefully become such an elite athlete that I (can) continue swimming in the professionals for years after school,” Andrey said.
