FORT WASHINGTON– Germantown Academy sophomore Emma Atkinson '20 has been chosen as one of just 48 girls from across the United States to participate in USA Swimming's National Select Camp slated for October 19-22 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Atkinson represented the Germantown Academy Aquatic Club (GAAC) at the 2017 World Championship Trials in Indianapolis, Indiana this past summer where her performance in the 200 meter backstroke resulted in her selection to this camp.

"We're thrilled for Emma to be able to take part in such an amazing experience," said GA Boys and Girls Varsity Swimming & Diving Coach Jeff Thompson, who is also the Director of GAAC. "This camp could be the inspiration she needs to catapult her swimming career and bring her to the next level that she has worked so hard for."

During the three day camp, Atkinson will experience the day-to-day routine of a national team athlete and utilize the state-of-the-art training facilities. The campers will learn from top professionals on topics such as post-race recovery, psychological training skills, nutrition and race strategy.

"The National Select camp is an important stepping stone for athletes on the brink of earning a spot on the National Junior Team," said Pat Hogan, USA Swimming's Club Development Managing Director. "A strategic element of this camp is teaching and reinforcing the National Team culture, which has always been a key part of the USA's success in international competition. We want these athletes to cultivate a deep-rooted allegiance to Team USA."

Atkinson is one of 96 top USA Swimming athletes – 48 male and 48 female – selected for the camp. Swimmers are selected from the SWIMS database of top times during the 2017 qualifying period, where the three fastest athletes in each event, ranging from age 14 to 16 are invited to the camp.

For more information on National Select Camp and the selection process, please click here.