West Valley’s Shayla Zulcic continues to astound and improve in the swimming pool. She represented the United States and Utah at the International Sports Federation’s Gymasiade in Rio de Janeiro Aug 20-27.

The World Sports Games were organized in 2021 and held in Serbia. It brought together 1,800 athletes ages 13-15 from 36 countries to compete in 14 sports. This year it was held in Brazil and Zulcic competed in several individual and relay events.

Zulcic swims locally with the West Valley Aquatics swim club. They train at the West Valley Fitness Center. She began swimming around 2017.

“My brother went to state, and I saw how happy he was. I remember a lot of excitement,” Zulcic said shortly after she set two state records as an 11 year old. 

Swimming was the second largest sport of the Gymnasiade with 212 athletes. 

“These young athletes demonstrated remarkable talent, dedication, and sportsmanship to earn their place to compete against the world's best at this prestigious event,” AAU National Aquatics Chair Lewis Fellinger said in a press release.

The event was held Aug. 20-27 (after the press deadline). 

Zulcic won the 200m freestyle long course state championship in July by more than 3 seconds. Her relay team placed third in the 200 medley. She was also state champion in the 500 and 1650 free at the senior state age group meet in March.

“I still get nervous every time she races,” Shayla’s father Edin Zulcic said. 

She will compete in the pools used at the 2016 Olympic games. In those games, Michael Phelps won five gold medals, and Katie Ledecky won four.

When Zulcic returns the City Journals will have comprehensive results. λ