Berlitz is TN Swimmer of the Year

Danny Berlitz’s success in the pool came early and often.

Victories piled up and records fell.

More than a decade later, that hasn’t changed.

The Marian High School junior recently wrapped up another incredible season of victories, medals and records.

For his accomplishments, Berlitz was named the 2017-18 Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Swimmer of the Year.

Competing in the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle, Berlitz’s season included:

• Two Schuylkill League gold medals and one league record.

• Two District 11 Class 2A gold medals and two district records.

• One PIAA Class 2A gold medal and one PIAA silver medal.

• Personal bests in both events.

It was the kind of season that most athletes dream about – near perfection in the three championship competitions, while posting event records and individual bests along the way.

But Berlitz isn’t most athletes. So although he said he was “happy” with his performances, he also admitted to some “disappointment.”

“I’m a very competitive person,” said Berlitz. “So even though I was happy with the season, I wasn’t satisfied.

“The gold medals and records at leagues and districts were great, and winning the 200 IM at states was definitely a highlight. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed finishing second in the 500 free at states.”

That thirst for perfection is one reason Berlitz has become one of the top male swimmers the area has ever seen – a swimmer with Olympic dreams and one who has already heard from well over 50 Division I schools.

But it’s not the only reason.

In addition to his desire for perfection, Berlitz has a strong work ethic.

Since he’s been 9-years-old, Berlitz has been training year round.

“During the school year, I practice Monday through Friday from about 5-8 p.m. at Muhlenberg College,” said Berlitz. “In the summer, I usually go Monday through Friday from about 5-8 a.m. outdoors at the Mack Pool in Allentown, and then two days a week I’ll do double sessions where I’ll also swim indoors for a couple hours at night.”

Berlitz’s weekends are for the most part spent competing in meets.

“It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from my home in Drums to get to Muhlenberg,” said Berlitz. “So, I have just enough time to get home from school, grab a quick bite to eat, and get on the road.

“It’s a pretty demanding schedule, but I love it. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing.”

The reason that Berlitz is doing it came about “pretty randomly,” according to him.

“No one in my family ever swam competitively,” explained Berlitz. “When I was 6 years old, my dad came home one day and said he saw something about a swim meet happening and asked if I wanted to try it.”

Berlitz said yes – and the rest is history.

“I went to that first meet and I won four events,” said Berlitz. “From that point on, swimming has been a huge part in my life.”

It’s something that Berlitz doesn’t see changing.

“I’m already thinking about my senior year at states. My goal is to defend my gold in the IM and try to win gold in the 500 free as well,” he said. “I’d also like to try and get a state record.

“After that, I definitely plan on swimming in college. So, the next step is going through the offers I’ve received and to start narrowing down my options.”

Berlitz has other goals and bigger dreams as well. He’s hoping to get a time this summer that will qualify him for the Olympic Trials.

“Sometimes I think about the first time I swam and how it has impacted my life and it’s hard to believe,” said Berlitz.

More than a decade later, that hasn’t changed.