8:15am | Swimmer Jessica Hardy was named the 2011 Long Beach Aquatic Athlete of the Year at an awards dinner and fundraiser hosted by the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation last Thursday night, November 10.

Hardy was honored for capturing the world title in the 50 meter breaststroke and taking a silver medal in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai this summer. Three days later, she was crowned U.S. National champion by winning the 100 meter breaststroke in Palo Alto, Calif.

Hardy’s parents, Denise and Bill Robinson, accepted the award on the Long Beach native’s behalf as the swimmer was competing in the Minneapolis Grand Prix, the first leg of the 2011-12 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series.

Also honored Thursday by the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation were Long Beach City Manager Pat West as the inaugural Long Beach Aquatic Citizen of Year, the Long Beach Yacht Club for its contributions to amateur and competitive sailing, the Long Beach Sailing Foundation for its community outreach program, and the Greater Long Beach YMCA for its commitment to water safety programs.

For additional information, please visit www.aquaticcapital.org.