Tag Archives: Connor Jaeger

Olympian’s Homecoming: Jaeger’s Fair Meet & Greet

September 1, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

Olympic silver medalist Connor Jaeger came home to Fair Haven and the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair on Wednesday night; and he brought his medal, smile and handshake with him.

The worldwide second-place winner in the 1,500-meter freestyle swim event in Rio not too long ago forewent the traditional hometown Olympian parade. He, instead, set up a table at the fair and signed autographs, posed for selfies, shook hands and chatted with friends and fans and gave his thanks for the swell of hometown support as he swam toward attaining his Olympic medal dream.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught a glimpse of the Jaeger meet-and-greet. Take a look.

— Photos/Cole Van Develde

Local Life

A Fair Meet with Olympic Swimmer Connor Jaeger

August 31, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

Not only is Wednesday night Firemen’s Night at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair, it’s also Olympian night this year.

Connor Jaeger, who recently won the silver medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle swim in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, is back home and set to meet, greet and do some selfies with hometown friends and fans. He will be appearing at the fair, in front of the firehouse, from 7 to 9 p.m..

He said it himself on Instagram …

“This Wednesday 8/31 from 7-9pm please come and meet me at Fair Haven’s Fireman’s Fair for a selfie booth. Please come to meet me and give me an opportunity to thank you all for the unbelievable support you have shown me.”

There was talk of a parade, which is what transpired when Jaeger came in sixth in the same Olympic event in 2012. However, officials decided to wait and see what was most amenable to Jaeger.

So, selfies and socializing at the fair it is.

“We hope to see you tomorrow night,” Councilwoman Susan Sorensen said in a Facebook post after thanking officials, including Connor Jaeger’s father, Eric, a fellow councilman, for coordinating the “meet-and-greet.”

Local Life

Retro Olympic Silver Medalist Connor Jaeger

Image August 15, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

After the Olympian parade for Connor Jaeger in 2012 at the Fair Haven Firehouse Photo/Elaine Van Develde — After the Olympian parade for Connor Jaeger in 2012 at the Fair Haven Firehouse
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Yes, Fair Haven-raised Connor Jaeger did it! In his second quest for an Olympic medal, he came in second in the 1,500-meter freestyle swim in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, making history as the fastest Team U.S.A. swimmer in the event.

It was only four years ago when Jaeger swam in London and placed sixth in the same event. When he came home to Fair Haven, there was a parade and he signed autographs for some very excited young fans.

There are no plans as of yet for a re-do of that in the borough. It depends on his wishes, officials have said.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back four years when Jaeger came home from London to a thrilled community. His family was there. Even his family dog was there.

Who knows the name of the Jaeger family dog?

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Homefront RFH Olympian Cheer to Jaeger’s Silver

August 14, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

“This Silver Medal is nothing but a pebble found on the mountain that is the history of United States Olympic success. I feel so blessed to have contributed to what was one of the greatest Olympic team performances of all time. I still can’t believe I’m coming home with a Silver ? #rio2016?? #gousa??” ~ Olympian Connor Jaeger / 2016 Silver Medal Winner/ Men’s 1,500-Meter Freestyle

He did it and set a record to boot! RFH 2010 graduate, Fair Haven-raised Connor Jaeger won the silver medal, placing second in the world, in the 2016 Summer Olympics men’s 1,500-meter freestyle swim in Rio de Janeiro.

And on top of winning the silver — his first medal after coming in sixth in the same category four years ago in London — Jeager came in at a Team USA record-breaking time of 14:39.48.

And Jaeger was cheered on from afar at his alma mater, 2000 Olympics bronze medal 200-meter individual medley swim winner Tom Wilkens on site to lend support to a fellow swimmer and let some of the kids try on his medal for fun. Wilkens, a CBA grad, is from Middletown. There was a parade to honor him when he won.

Jaeger is the son of Fair Haven Councilman Eric Jaeger and wife, Bernadette. He has a sister, Dana.

Check out the photos for a glimpse into the eve at RFH.

Congrats, again, Connor Jaeger!

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

RFH to Cheer on Olympian Connor Jaeger

August 12, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

Saturday night’s the night to cheer on Fair Haven-raised Olympian Connor Jaeger at none other than his alma mater, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH).

Jaeger, who came in first in two swimming categories’ trials (400- and 1,500-meter freestyle), will be going for the gold in Rio de Janeiro in the 1,500 category on Saturday night.

He placed fifth in the 400 in Rio a couple of weeks ago.

All are invited to gather, watch and cheer Jaeger on at RFH’s auditorium at 7 p.m.

This is Jaeger’s second round at the Olympics. He competed four years ago and came in sixth in the 1,500.

Go Connor!

Local Life

R-FH Area Weekend: Rooting for a Olympian Jaeger

August 5, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

It’s been four years since RFH grad Connor Jaeger went for the gold in the 2012 Summer Olympics and ended up garnering sixth place in the 1,500-meter freestyle swim. Now, it’s his time again — twice over.

Jaeger is in Rio and set to go for the gold on first on Saturday in the 400-meter swim. Next week will be the 1,500-meter race.

Above is a look at a carpool karaoke video of Jaeger and fellow Olympians.

The Jaeger family, Fair Havenites, have expressed their gratitude for overwhelming community support of Connor once again.

The sign is up on the marquee of the Fair Haven Firehouse.

Tune in on Saturday night …

The men’s 400-meter freestyle heats start at 12:48 p.m. EDT.
The final begin at 9:30 p.m.

Go Connor Jaeger! Fair Haven is proud … again!

Local Life

Retro Swim Days with Connor Jaeger & Sis

July 18, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

Connor and Dana Jaeger at in the much younger years of swimming Photo/courtesy of Jaeger family (photo of a photo) — Connor and Dana Jaeger at in the much younger years of swimming
Photo/courtesy of Jaeger family (photo of a photo)

It wasn’t that long ago that Connor Jaeger made the U.S. Olympic team by winning first place in two events in the trials: 400- and 1,500-meter freestyle.

When he first started swimming, decades ago, though, it was after taking lessons at Dosil’s Sports Center in Middletown mostly so he “wouldn’t drown” at Surfrider Beach Club, his mom Bernadette had said. He swam in many meets at the beach club. Then he then joined Central Jersey Aquatic Club (CJAC) and swam competitively year-round.

When Jaeger first started swimming in races at Surfrider, it was with his sister Dana. She has said that she just watched him get faster and faster the older he got. The two have said that they have always had a close sibling relationship.

Connor Jaeger is now on his way to the Olympics for a second time, this time competing in the two categories and going for the gold.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day, courtesy of the Jaegers a few years ago, offers a glimpse back to Connor’s early days of swimming with his sis. Know where this was taken?

Congrats, again, Connor!

Local Life

Simple Summer: A Surfrider Swim Meet Win

July 15, 2016 Elaine Van Develde

A swim meet win at Surfrider Beach Club and smiles from the team enjoying a simple summer. Photo/Colleen Dougherty Doogan — A swim meet win at Surfrider Beach Club and smiles from the team enjoying a simple summer.
Photo/Colleen Dougherty Doogan

With many Rumson-Fair Haven area people’s minds on Olympian RFH grad and former Fair Havenite Connor Jaeger’s road to the summer competition in Rio de Janeiro lately, thoughts turn back in time to when Jaeger spent his summer days at Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright.

Well, decades may have passed and Jaeger may be far away from the Surfrider pool, but kids are still swimming and they were winners recently.

The above photo is a reminder of the simple fun in a summer swim competition at a local beach club.

This crew was celebrating a big meet win on July 14.

Thanks to native Fair Havenite and teacher Colleen Dougherty Doogan for this classic shot!

Happy simple summer!