Tommy Shaffer loves movies, especially Star Wars.
A Darth Vader figurine holds a prominent place in his bedroom and holds some prominent mementoes – Shaffer’s swimming medals.
The Jesuit High senior got to place three additional gold medals on the dark side villain following the Class 2A State Swimming and Diving Championships.
Shaffer wanted his senior year to be special. But this special? Even Shaffer couldn’t have dreamt this up. Two gold medals as a member of Jesuit’s 200 medley and 200 free relay teams and an individual medal in the 100 free.
“I don't think I've ever been happier than when I finished and saw the one was next to my name,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer got to stand on the podium three times to get his medals. To make the moment even more special, they were placed around his neck by his dad, Jesuit’s swim coach Bill Shaffer.
“I knew he had the gold (in the 100 free) when he came off the last wall, as coach,” Bill Shaffer said. “Dad mode took over during the pre-meet prayer. I'm glad I had my sunglasses on. That's when I knew it was his last session.”
Click on the video to see the Shaffers share that special moment.