Goodfellow Airman to compete for world swimming championship Published Aug. 1, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Dorian Chapman 17 TRW Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airman 1st Class Brandon Trapp, a 312th Training Squadron student at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, qualified Saturday for the 2009 World Masters Games to be held in Sydney, Australia. Airman Trapp qualified in the 3k Open Water Swim category with a time of 46 minutes, 58.3 seconds, more than 3 minutes faster than the qualification requirement of 50 minutes. "My first objective is firefighter training," Airman Trapp said, explaining the necessity for him to prioritize his technical training above his swim training. "I don't care who you are, firefighter training is hard." Airman Trapp said he trains three to four times per week, taking full advantage of the base fitness center and pool. The 17th Services Division aquatics coordinator, Lani Schmidt, oversees Airman Trapp's swim training. "I love my job," Schmidt said of her role in keeping Airman Trapp motivated to swim. Airman Trapp is a Master Swimmer and has been competing since the age of 14. He is a 2006 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he was on the swim team and competed in the 2006 World Championship. Airman Trapp joined the Air Force in January 2008 and was assigned to Goodfellow for firefighter training in March 2008. "Swimming keeps me mentally and physically in good shape," Airman Trapp said about his dedication to the pool. "I think that will make me a better firefighter."
