An Olympian in the Making

by Laura Collis

Canyons Coach Jeff Conwell says, “It’s been a long and rewarding process…I started working with Riley when he was eight and it’s been truly an honor seeing him develop into the man he is today.”

Riley Mita’s path to Olympian success is paved with perseverance, dedication to his team, and above all else, an unyielding belief in himself. This summer, Riley finished 25th overall and was 9th for the 18 and under swimmers in a grueling 10K race in the U.S. Open Water National Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As one of the youngest competitors swimming against the toughest Atlantic surf in history, Riley proved himself to be one of the best long distance swimmers coming out of high school this year.
While growing up in the Santa Clarita Valley, Riley takes pride in having only competed for one team since he was six years old—Canyons Aquatic Club, based out of College of the Canyons. This club, responsible for training swimmers from novices to Olympians like former gold medalist and world record holder, Anthony Ervin, has been Riley’s stepping stone into local and now national success.
Riley graduated from West Ranch this past June, setting nine high school records and earning the title of 2010 Foothill Swimmer of the Year. He also carries with him 29 club age group records, four open records, and two Southern California records. And despite practicing nearly every day throughout his education, Riley proudly leaves having been a member of the National Honor Society, a volunteer for the Special Olympics, and a mentor for Canyons Aqua Mentors. Riley describes himself, “On land I am a leader, an inspiring voice, a motivator and a friend, but in the water I am determined and I am fierce.”
Riley now looks to the United States Naval Academy for his next steps to Olympic stardom. Following his three uncles who all proudly served in the Air Force, Riley hopes to get one of the best educations in the world, a chance to learn to fly, serve his country, and of course practice alongside their renowned swim team. As for his future swimming goals, he expects to qualify for the NCAA D1 Championships in all four years of collegiate competition and hopefully demonstrate his talents on their ultimate platform—the Olympic trials, both in 2012 and 2016.