A Parade for our Hometown Heroes
By Katie McFadden
It was a parade fit for potential Olympians. On Thursday, June 27, Rockaway went big to celebrate the accomplishments of superstar swimmers Tess Howley and Sean Green, who returned from the Olympic trials in Indianapolis early last week.
Both local swimmers, who are longtime members of Long Island Aquatic Club, qualified for the Olympic trials this year. From June 15 through 23, they were among the best swimmers in the country competing for a spot on Team USA for the summer Olympics in Paris. Still in their teens and facing swimmers who have already been in the Olympics, Howley and Green came up short of making it on to Team USA this year, but their results were nothing short of impressive, with Howley making into the finals for the 200M butterfly and finishing seventh overall, and Green making it to the finals for the 800M freestyle, finishing eighth overall.
And being home to some of the best swimmers in the country is a cause for celebration. On Thursday, Howley, Green and their friends and families gathered at the Howley home on Beach 144th Street for a big welcome home and congratulatory parade from the community. Dozens of cars, and people on feet and bikes, lined up on Newport Avenue, dressed in their best red, white and blue looks, and waved flags and cheered as they passed the Howley home, congratulating Sean and Tess. The swimmers even spent time signing some autographs for some local kids who look up to them as role models.
We know Sean and Tess will continue to do big things in their swimming career and we look forward to hopefully seeing them at trials in 2028 for a chance to make Team USA for the summer Olympics in Los Angeles!
Photos by Amanda Agoglia and Rockaway WISH.
