Athletics are a chance to break out, compete, even embrace an alter ego. Those competitive aspects aside, athletics represent a community built on improvement. For sophomore Breandan Gibbons, being a part of that self improvement community is something held at a high standard. Gibbons was recently elected as the junior athlete representative for the Minnesota Swimming Board of Directors. This organization makes up the forum in which club swimming is discussed and legislation approved.

“I started last year. I went to the house of delegates which is just the annual meeting of all of the delegates from all of the clubs in the state of MN,” Gibbons said, “my sister had the same position when she was a junior and senior in high school.”

“I am the third in charge of the athlete committee for MN swimming,” Gibbons said. Gibbons’ role is to represent an athlete’s voice in a committee dominated by adults. In an atmosphere where improving the young athlete’s experience is the goal, athlete voice is paramount to include.

Aside from the political experience, Gibbons finds that the emotional gains are important as well. “It’s a sport that I love and a community that has done a lot for me personally and I want to give those same opportunities and experiences to other athletes trying to get involved in swimming.”