The Makos swim team from the O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex/YMCA recently experienced what it took to become world-class swimmers. By attending the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and participating in a swim meet in Indianapolis, these young athletes found inspiration to elevate their skills and pursue their Olympic dreams.
Witnessed the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials
In June, the Makos, an all-African American swim team named after the Shortfin Mako Shark—the fastest shark in the ocean—traveled to Indianapolis to witness the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. The trials, held in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, showcased top swimmers from across the country competing for a chance to represent Team USA.
For the Makos, this experience was more than just a trip; it was an opportunity to see what it took to compete at the highest level.
Inspired Young Swimmers
Madison Weaver, a 12-year-old Makos team member, shared how the experience changed her perspective.
“At first, I didn’t want to go to the Olympic swim trials,” Madison admitted. “But after watching them, I wanted to see my name and face on the video screen.”
Madison, whose favorite stroke was the breaststroke, said she learned that becoming an Olympic-level swimmer required hard work, practice, physical fitness, mental preparedness, and commitment.
“One of the men told us that to be in the Olympics, you had to be in the water all the time and work out outside of swimming. I was inspired to work out more,” she said.
Competed in the Central Zone Multicultural Meet
While in Indianapolis, the Makos participated in the 2024 Central Zone Multicultural Meet at Center Grove High School Natatorium. This event celebrated diversity and was held in coordination with the 2024 USA Swimming Olympic Team Trials. Sponsored by Indiana Swimming and USA Swimming, the meet highlighted the importance of representation in competitive swimming.
For the Makos, this was a significant experience. As one of the few African American swim teams in the Midwest, they often competed as the only Black team in the water. Seeing other African American swimmers, like the fast and talented Detroit team, was both inspiring and motivating.
Led by Coach Terea Goodwin
Makos swim coach Terea Goodwin, who also served as Chair of the Diversity Committee for Ozark Swimming and USA Swimming, emphasized the importance of elevating the team’s performance.
“At the multicultural meet, I was on deck with two African American male coaches and one female coach. It was the first time I had ever been on the deck at a race with more than just me and my assistant coach,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin also connected with Ja’Von Waters Sr., coach of the Detroit swim team, who invited the Makos to train with his team.
“As a coach, I continuously learned and grew, especially in the world of USA Swimming,” Goodwin explained. “We had to elevate—my team had to elevate, and I had to elevate too.”
Built Olympic Dreams
The trip to Indianapolis was made possible through fundraisers and donations, which covered the costs of transportation, lodging, and meals for the team and their families. For parents like Chevon Weaver, the experience was invaluable.
“It was exhilarating to see Madison’s passion for swimming increase,” Weaver said. “She could actually see herself trying out for the Olympics.”
The Makos returned home with renewed determination and a clear vision of what it took to reach the next level.
“We were going to another level,” Coach Goodwin said. “I wanted the kids to go as far as they wanted to go. If they wanted to go to the Olympics, that was awesome, too.”
Learn More About the Makos Swim Team
For more information about the Makos Swim Team at the O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex/YMCA, visit O’Fallon Park Rec Complex/YMCA.
Related Reading
Check out The Narrative Matters for more stories about diversity and representation in sports.
Learn more about USA Swimming and its programs at USA Swimming.
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