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By: Editorial Team, Mom & I
Anton Lee, 12, a student at Dwight Englewood School, has been swimming since the age of five and playing the cello since third grade. Lee is part of the senior prep group of the Scarlet Wave team in Bergen County, achieving commendable records in the New Jersey Junior Olympics and New Jersey Junior Age Group Championships. He has received the National Age Group Awards in five categories, ranking within the top 20 nationally by age division. Additionally, Lee is a cellist with the non-profit string ensemble, 'Friends with Music,' offering volunteer performances at nursing homes. In his leisure time, he enjoys video games, reading, and recently has become engrossed in creating electronic music. Like father, like son: his father is the singer Yoon Sang.
Editorial Team, Mom & I
When did you come to the United States, and how did you learn Korean so well?
I was born in Boston, USA, in 2004. My parents taught me Korean, and I attended Korean language school.
Why did you start swimming, and what benefits have you gained from it?
I was frail and thin during my early years, so my parents encouraged swimming for health. They believed swimming was a necessary skill. Through swimming, I became healthier and taller. Achieving good results after hard work gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
Can you share your accomplishments in swimming competitions?
I joined a swimming team at eight but wasn’t very successful until I was ten, when I improved my rankings. In 2015, I placed second in the New Jersey Junior Olympics for 11-12 year-olds, and in 2016, I was first at the New Jersey Junior Age Group Championships. I received the National Age Group Awards in five events last year. Recently, our team set three new relay records for 11-12-year-olds in New Jersey.
What challenges have you faced with swimming, and how do you overcome them?
The senior prep group at Scarlet Wave requires more than two hours of practice daily, except Tuesdays, with additional morning sessions on weekends. Waking up early is challenging. As I progress academically and as competitions become more crucial, maintaining focus can be difficult. Managing schoolwork adds to the challenges.
What are your future aspirations?
I haven’t made specific plans yet. However, I imagine pursuing something related to music. I also wish to continue swimming, not necessarily as a professional athlete, but because it is beneficial for health and stress relief.
Why did you start swimming with Anton?
Anton had frequent ear infections and seemed fragile. Swimming helped build his confidence. While early wake-ups for practice are tough, the self-discipline and independence he gained are rewarding.
Advice for parents considering swimming for their children?
Monitor if the sport suits your child's temperament. Swimming is time-intensive and can be exhausting for parents too. It's important to support and nurture your child's confidence and passion, regardless of competition results.
From left: Daniel Kim, Christopher Chang, Anton Lee, Steven Bendoraitis, Todd Colombo (Coach)
