Warner Robins swimmers set to compete in the 2024 US Paralympics Team Trials. How to watch

Two local swimmers who train out of Warner Robins Aquanauts are in Minneapolis to compete in the 2024 U.S. Paralympics Team Trials.

William Rankine and Vica Beelner will be the first swimmers out of Warner Robins Aquanauts to compete in the trials.

The 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials takes place Thursday through Saturday at the University of Minnesota’s Jean K Freeman Aquatic Center where athletes from across the country will vie for spots on the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team.

Wes Hamborg, head coach of the Warner Robins Aquanauts, said both swimmers have been training rigorously at the new Tommy Stalnaker Aquatic Center, honing their skills under the guidance of dedicated coaches and the support of their local community.

“We are incredibly proud of William and Vica as they prepare to compete at this elite level,” he said. “Their dedication and hard work have been inspiring to witness. They embody the spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving excellence.”

William Rankine, a graduate of Houston County High School currently attending Grove City College, has been training under Hamborg for 11 years. He will be participating in multiple events throughout the trials, according to Hamborg.

Rankine’s schedule includes the 100 m breaststroke and 100 m backstroke on Thursday, the 100 m freestyle on Friday, and wrapping up with the 100 m butterfly and 50 m freestyle events on Saturday.

Vica Beelner, a student at Emmanuel College, will also be representing the Warner Robins Aquanauts. Beelner moved to Warner Robins three years ago with her mother and began training with Hamborg.

He said Beelner is set to compete in the 50 m butterfly on Thursday, the 50 m backstroke on Friday, and the challenging 200 m individual medley on Saturday.

Hamborg said both athletes inspire others to pursue their passions without limitations.

“William showcases exceptional skill and dedication, proving that vision impairment is not a barrier to achieving greatness in sport,” he said. “Vica brings a powerful message of strength and perseverance, demonstrating that physical differences do not define one’s ability to excel.”

The U.S. Paralympic Trials only occur once every four years. The trials will be aired on NBC and online on Peacock. The 2024 Paralympics will be held in Paris from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

“I am so proud of them,” Hamborg said. “It’s an honor to know that they are representing our team and our community at the highest level of domestic competition.”