Not every student gets to train for the Olympics. Lucca Battaglini is not only doing that, he is also excelling in school and in swimming competitions. The Durham School of the Arts senior has been breaking swimming records and winning medals while also excelling in his studies.
“Lucca has received multiple offers for college athletic scholarships. He holds numerous state and national swim records,” said Mary-Katherine Scheppegrell, school counselor at DSA.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing though. Battaglini said he broke the scaphoid bone on his left hand and had to have surgery, making it hard for him to swim and do schoolwork. But he persevered and continued to succeed, all with a great attitude.
Battaglini said his immediate goal is to qualify for and represent the United States at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and to win a gold medal. In the meantime, he’ll also go to college.
“I have been blessed with the opportunity to swim and study at the University of California at Berkeley following graduation,” he said. “I will be at Berkeley learning business administration at the Haas School of Business and will be swimming for the Cal Bears.”