Josie McGuire claimed four ASF medals before outpacing her competition in the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke events at the U.S. Youth Games this week.

Denise Barrett claimed five first-place swimming medals during the Alabama Sports Festival last month, but she seemed to regard the accomplishment as just another day at the pool.

“I’m not as interested in the competition as I once was,” she said after winning the 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, and 200 and 400-yard individual medlies.  “I do it mainly to stay in shape and healthy.  I couldn’t say that when I was younger.”

The Springville resident and New Jersey native, who holds degrees in economics and business, often sees a younger version of herself in her 11-year-old daugher Josie.

“I like beating my own times,” the sixth grader said in between winning four ASF medals and finishing first in the 100-yard freestyle and backstroke events at the U.S. Youth Games.  

Her performance as an  individual and as a relay swimmer boosted her 12-member Birmingham team to a top finish in the national contest last weekend in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Barrett’s other two daughters, Felicia and Madeline, also swim competitively  but did not compete in this year’s ASF games.  She said she’s glad her children participate in a sport they’ll be able to engage in for the rest of their lives.

“Once you learn to swim, you’ll always do it.  Even if Josie doesn’t swim in college, at some point in the future, she’ll be back in the pool swimming.  It’s the best sport all around for exercise, and it’s something she’ll always be able to enjoy.”

Interest in the sport is expected to soar next year during the 2010 Summer Olympics, she said.  “That’s always a boost, then it starts to fade off again.  The main thing is getting kids involved and enjoying it when they’re younger.”