By all accounts, it was a perfect Sunday at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica.
To much fanfare, Swim With Mike, the annual event that raises money for scholarships for physically challenged athletes, raised its 10 millionth overall dollar on its 30th anniversary Sunday. Then shortly thereafter, Jake Olson, renowned for his valiant fight through cancer and his close relationship to the Trojan football team, beat out quarterback Matt Barkley and center Kristofer O'Dowd in a swim race as part of the "First Lap" celebration.
Completely blind since surgery in November, Olson, who himself will be eligible for a Swim With Mike scholarship after he graduates high school, edged out the pair of star Trojans in the short race that kicked off Swim With Mike's 30th consecutive year.
Swim With Mike will be held on April 17 at USC's McDonald's Swim Stadium. Get more info, including how to donate, here.
Check out some photos from the event:
Swim With Mike's "First Lap" celebration took place at the Annenberg Beach House on a picturesque day in Santa Monica.
The Annenberg Beach House was the site of the "First Lap" celebration for the 30th anniversary of Swim With Mike.
The Trojan Marching Band and USC Song Girls perform.
Swim With Mike raised its 10 millionth dollar on Sunday.
Matt Barkley, Jake Olson and Kristofer O'Dowd pose for a photo prior to their race.
Center Kristofer O'Dowd jumps in the pool before the race.
Jake Olson takes an early lead, with Matt Barkley (left) and Kristofer O'Dowd (right) closely behind.
Jake Olson nears the finish line in first place.
Jake Olson celebrates his victory alongside competitors Matt Barkley and Kristofer O'Dowd.
Several Swim With Mike scholarship recipients pose for a picture after the race.
To much fanfare, Swim With Mike, the annual event that raises money for scholarships for physically challenged athletes, raised its 10 millionth overall dollar on its 30th anniversary Sunday. Then shortly thereafter, Jake Olson, renowned for his valiant fight through cancer and his close relationship to the Trojan football team, beat out quarterback Matt Barkley and center Kristofer O'Dowd in a swim race as part of the "First Lap" celebration.
Completely blind since surgery in November, Olson, who himself will be eligible for a Swim With Mike scholarship after he graduates high school, edged out the pair of star Trojans in the short race that kicked off Swim With Mike's 30th consecutive year.
Swim With Mike will be held on April 17 at USC's McDonald's Swim Stadium. Get more info, including how to donate, here.
Check out some photos from the event:
Swim With Mike's "First Lap" celebration took place at the Annenberg Beach House on a picturesque day in Santa Monica.
The Annenberg Beach House was the site of the "First Lap" celebration for the 30th anniversary of Swim With Mike.
The Trojan Marching Band and USC Song Girls perform.
Swim With Mike raised its 10 millionth dollar on Sunday.
Matt Barkley, Jake Olson and Kristofer O'Dowd pose for a photo prior to their race.
Center Kristofer O'Dowd jumps in the pool before the race.
Jake Olson takes an early lead, with Matt Barkley (left) and Kristofer O'Dowd (right) closely behind.
Jake Olson nears the finish line in first place.
Jake Olson celebrates his victory alongside competitors Matt Barkley and Kristofer O'Dowd.
Several Swim With Mike scholarship recipients pose for a picture after the race.
The "Swim with Mike Family" is truly a unique family to be a part of. With my son Rocky being a recipient and attending the event, I'm so happy he could represent Sam, an alumni recipient,and, me, their mom who was recuperationg from surgery.
It looked like it was very successful and also very fun!!! What a beautiful day to hold this event at Annenberg Beach House.
"FIGHT ON" Trojan Family.......you are all an inspiration to those of us who couldn't participate this time around.
Hope to see many of you on the 17th,
Marla Paneno