The Los Alamitos-Edison swim meet Thursday attracted a special visitor: inspirational former Chargers swimmer Thomas Smith.
Smith, who overcome a benign tumor in his left knee to become a standout, stopped by his old pool to watch the Sunset League showdown.
As a freshman this past season at LSU, Smith set school records in the 200-yard and 200-meter backstroke. He also established a Southern California Swimming record for the 200-yard back with a time of 1 minute, 42.77 seconds.
Smith didn’t qualify for this week’s NCAA finals but finished seventh in the SEC in the 200-yard backstroke.
The U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier continues to share the story of his tumor, which he had examined Monday. He also has been involved in a reading program for elementary students in Baton Rouge.
Please send swimming news to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com
