Story and Photos by Rich Chrampanis
RUMSON – The Olympic spirit has a lasting effect. It’s been 16 years since Tom Wilkens was in the pool in Sydney, Australia winning a bronze medal in the 400 individual medley, but the Middletown native and CBA graduate still gets the attention of an audience when he shows the product of his Olympic moment. Wilkens was at Rumson-Fair Haven’s auditorium along with over 100 supporters of Connor Jaeger as they watched the 2010 RFH alum take home the silver in the 1500 meter freestyle in Rio.
If anyone could relate to the long range of emotions Jaeger was going through before, during and after his big race, it was Wilkens who was high fiving his family and friends after Connor touched the wall second in the 1500.
“I didn’t doubt it for a second,” Wilkens said shortly after Jaeger’s silver medal performance. “Connor’s really had a great steady career progression. The silver medal, it’s unbelievable. I’m sure he’s going through a crazy range of emotions right now. It was phenomenal.”
Wilkens didn’t realize it at the time, but bringing the bronze medal home to the Jersey Shore in 2000 had a little something to do with Connor Jaeger’s 2016 medal. Jaeger recalled how cool the parade was to honor Wilkens and a visit to his elementary school also had a strong influence.
“I don’t know if I did or didn’t, but if I had any small part in that or inspiring anyone that makes me feel inspired and humbled,” Wilkens said. “I think everyone has those people in their lives for the first time they can see that this is realistic that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things and I think Connor has really done a great job with that.”
After talking to the Connor Jaeger contingent at the RFH auditorium about his Olympic experience, Wilkens joined his family to cheer on the former University of Michigan All-American. As Jaeger navigated through 30 laps in Rio, the crowd cheered after every 50 meters when Jaeger was shown in the medal spot. For nearly fifteen minutes, it was nerve wracking to see if the RFH Bulldog would pull through, but Wilkens said the time certainly flew by for Connor in the water.
“I think it’s harder as a fan than it is as a swimmer,” Wilkens said. “People used to say how nervous they were watching me swim, but I never felt it in the water. I’m sure he wasn’t as nervous as we all were, because he had control over his outcome.”
It’s a safe bet that Connor Jaeger will return the favor and be bringing the silver medal all around Rumson, Fair Haven and the rest of the Jersey Shore. Wilkens is thrilled to have another ambassador when it comes to local swimming Olympic medalists.
“The American pride is one thing, but then also from this area, the Jersey Shore, we’ve really produced so many great swimmers,” Wilkens said. “Connor is on the highest level that we’ve produced. I’m just so excited to see it. The environment here and everyone cheering him on, it was so great to be a part of it.”
