Two of the best swimmers in DeWitt Clinton High School history, Leonardo and Abel Dupres, are heading to the Federation State Boys Swimming Tournament on Long Island to represent both their school and their borough beginning on Feb. 28.
The brothers earned a place in the state championships by winning multiple medals at the Open Swimming and Diving Trials at Lehman College on Feb. 9 and 10. Junior Leonardo captured the gold in the 100 fly and knocked four seconds off his previous fastest time in the 100 backstroke to earn the silver.
Freshman Abel beat his brother in the 100 backstroke to win the gold in that event and took home a silver in the 200 individual medley.
“We haven’t had two swimmers like them in 25 years,” Clinton head swimming coach Ray Ramirez said. “They’ve been doing it for a long time, and their technique is excellent.”
The Dupres brothers have been swimming together for the past nine years. They practice six days a week for 11 months out of the year, taking a break from training only in August. Besides swimming for Clinton, the duo also competes in the 15-18 Division at Riverbank State Park in Manhattan under the supervision of longtime coach Danny Trinadad. Both brothers are close to qualifying for the Junior Olympics.
This past season, team co-captain Leonardo, who began the season sidelined while recovering from tonsillitis, set school records in the 200 freestyle, 100 fly, and 100 backstroke, which is Abel’s best event.
“Leonardo’s backstroke record is not going to be there next year,” Abel predicted with a smile.
Competition is second nature to these brothers, who are only a year and four months apart. However, their favorite part about swimming at Clinton is being part of a team.
Besides swimming, both brothers say they are focused on keeping their grades up and getting into good colleges. They are encouraged by their parents, Leonardo and Miledys Dupres.
For now, the brothers remain focused on the immediate goal at hand: improving their times and bringing home the gold at the State Championships next weekend.
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