While the world was getting ready to watch the first rounds of the 2012 Olympics swimming events Saturday morning, local swimmers were racing for their own gold medals.

The Verde Valley Invitational, the last meet for the Sedona Swordfish for the summer, took place Saturday, July 28. The invitational was hosted by the Cottonwood Clippers at the Cottonwood Municipal Pool.

The Swordfish had just 37 total athletes competing in the 96 events. Facing off against the Swordfish and Clippers were the Needles Sandsharks, the Bullhead City Barracudas, the Kingman Dolphins, Prescott Valley and the Payson Pikes.

The Swordfish placed fourth with a score of 1,546. The Bullhead City Barracudas with 50 athletes took third place with a score of 1,780. The Needles Sandsharks took second place with 55 athletes and a score of 2,300. And the gold medal for first place with a score of 3,150 went to the Cottonwood Clippers, who had 124 swimmers competing.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Aug. 1, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.