While Rasmus Skjaerpe, a sophomore from Tampa Prep, had a successful state swim meet earlier this month, he knew his most important winter race would take him across the world to Oslo.

And he returned to Tampa this week from the Norwegian Jr. Nationals with his most impressive results to date.

Skjaerpe, 15, won eight gold medals in the 13-15 age bracket (50 back, 100 back, 200 back, 100 free, 100 fly, 200 fly, 200 IM and 400 IM) and was the only swimmer from his age group to qualify for the 19-and-under portion of the race. "Moose," as Skajaerpe is called by Tampa Prep coach Jason Bowes, won gold in the 200 fly and 400 IM and four silver medals in the 50 back, 100 back, 100 fly and 200 IM.

With that performance, Skjaerpe qualified for the Norwegian national team and will race overseas this summer with the hopes of qualifying for the 2012 London Summer Olympics in London.