New Duo Gabi Brito (14) and Gabby Rose (47) Shine with Victories at CA/NV Sectionals in Chula Vista…Read More…
The CA/NV Sectional Championship in Chula Vista witnessed a fresh wave of excitement this weekend as two newly-formed teammates, Gabi Brito and Gabby Rose, stormed onto the scene with commanding victories in their respective events. The dynamic duo, representing their new club after recent transfers, delivered standout performances that not only earned them individual glory but also ignited fresh hopes for the team’s future.
The Rising Star: Gabi Brito’s Golden Touch
At just 14 years old, Gabi Brito came into the CA/NV Sectionals as a relative newcomer on the West Coast circuit. But by the end of the competition, her name echoed through the Chula Vista Elite Training Center. Brito, known for her explosive starts and technical sharpness, cruised to victory in the 100-meter freestyle with a personal best of 56.04 seconds, shaving nearly a full second off her previous mark.
What made Brito’s triumph even more remarkable was the field she conquered — several seasoned swimmers, some with national-level experience, trailed behind the precocious teen. Her aggressive approach from the opening strokes caught the attention of coaches and fans alike, with one veteran coach remarking, “She doesn’t swim like a 14-year-old… she attacks the water like a seasoned pro.”
Brito also competed in the 50-meter freestyle, finishing a close second with another personal best of 25.97 seconds, marking her first time under the 26-second barrier.
“I’m just excited to be here and swim against such great competition,” Brito said after her races. “It feels amazing to get a personal best, but I know this is just the beginning. I want to keep improving and see how far I can go.”
With her performances, Brito is quickly establishing herself as one of the brightest young talents in California, and her confidence is only growing with each race.
The Veteran Force: Gabby Rose’s Commanding Return
On the opposite end of the age bracket, 47-year-old Gabby Rose delivered a performance that stunned both competitors and spectators. The seasoned veteran, who recently made headlines with her comeback to competitive swimming after a decade-long break, showed that age is merely a number.
Rose dominated the 200-meter breaststroke, touching the wall at 2:33.88, a time that stands among the top in her age group nationally. Her smooth, efficient strokes and unflinching endurance down the stretch left younger competitors trailing behind.
“It feels surreal to be back on the podium,” Rose said with a beaming smile. “I returned to the pool because I missed the challenge, the competition, and the community. Today felt like everything I hoped for when I decided to make this comeback.”
Rose’s victory wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was an inspiration to countless masters and age-group swimmers in attendance. Her presence on the deck, often encouraging younger athletes like Brito, underscored her role as both a competitor and a mentor.
“She’s a legend,” one young swimmer was heard saying. “To see her win like that makes you believe you can swim for life.”
A Partnership of Promise
Though separated by three decades in age, the pairing of Brito and Rose as teammates has quickly become a talking point at Chula Vista. Both joined their new team within weeks of each other — Brito making a high-profile youth club move and Rose affiliating with the club’s masters program.
“It’s an unexpected but awesome partnership,” Brito said. “She gives me advice on how to stay calm before a race, and I try to bring the energy. It’s really cool.”
For Rose, the mentorship is mutual. “Gabi reminds me of why I fell in love with swimming in the first place — the pure joy of competing. She pushes me to stay sharp, and I’m grateful for that.”
Their coaches couldn’t agree more. “We’ve got something special here,” said head coach Daniel Kwan. “When you see a young star and a seasoned champion pushing each other forward, it raises the level of the entire program.”
Looking Ahead
With their stunning performances in Chula Vista, both Brito and Rose have earned qualifying times for upcoming championship meets, including the Futures Championships and Masters Nationals, respectively.
Brito is setting her sights on junior national cuts, while Rose has hinted she may try for a world masters record in the near future.
For now, though, both are relishing their shared success and the unique bond they’ve formed. The CA/NV Sectionals proved not just a showcase of talent, but a testament to the power of teamwork across generations.
As spectators and swimmers left the pool deck in Chula Vista, the buzz wasn’t just about the wins — it was about the story of two Gabis, united by passion, determination, and a shared vision of greatness.
And if this weekend’s performances are any indication, the swimming world will be hearing a lot more about Brito and Rose — together — in the months to come.
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