Scotts, Troxel win golds in AAU Junior Olympics

Twelve-year-old Kristian Troxel out touched his opponent at the finish of the 100-meter breaststroke to capture the gold medal Tuesday in the opening day of the four-day AAU Junior Olympic Games in Knoxville, Tenn.

Troxel's time was 1 minute, 30.18 seconds.

On Wednesday, the Scott sibllings -- Susan Beth and her brother, Ramsey -- garnered their first gold medals in their third Junior Olympic appearances.

Susan Beth Scott took first among 15 to 18 girls in the 1,500-meter freestyle, an event in which she already holds the Paralympic American record. Ramsey Scott won the 400-meter freestyle in the 11-12 year old division.

"We know all about Susan Beth's accomplishments in the last year," said Gator coach Steve Franklin, "but Ramsey has just come on in recent months and established himself as a top-notch swimmer."

Ramsey Scott last weekend won three races in the Ozark Long Course Championship meet in Carbondale, Ill., capturing the 100 free, 200 free and 400 free.

On Tuesday, Ramsey Scott and Gabriela Vieira each placed second in their 200 freestyle events -- Vieira in the 10-and-under girls division and Scott in the boys 11-12.

Kyleigh Troxel added a third-place finish among 11-12 girls in the 400 free Wednesday.

The national event features more than 400 swimmers from across the country and Saudi Arabia.

Other top Gator finishes Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 and under -- Kevin Douglas (third in 200 free, fourth in 100 breaststroke); Elizabeth Kiefner (12th in 100 breast); and Vieira (third in 50 fly); 11-12 -- Kyleigh Troxel (fourth in 200 free); Bridget Hale (eighth in 200 free and 400 free); Kristian Troxel (fifth in 200 free and 50 fly); Ramsey Scott (seventh in 50 fly); Morgan Maguire (15th in 200 free); 13-14 -- Jessica Zander (fourth in 200 free), Lizzie Schmidt (seventh in 200 breast); 15-18 -- Susan Beth Scott (fifth in 200 free); Tommy Jannise (eighth in 200 breast).

The 11-12 girls medley relay team of Troxel, Maguire, Hale, and Maddie Siefert also finished third Tuesday.

Competition runs daily through Friday.

-- From staff reports