John Powell, senior, came in 2nd place, after his friend in the 100 freestyle and 3rd place in the 100 backstroke. Powell competed in four events total.
Powell started swimming when he was seven. He first took swimming lessons to hang out with his friends and he was the only one who stuck with it.
“I did try other sports, but I still like swimming the best,” Powell said.
Powell is now on a club team but to swim for the school. Powell had to temporarily suspend his club training.
Yet Powell is still committed to swimming and he does the same thing before every meet.
“I take a nap three hours before the meet, and I go to the meet an hour early so I can stretch for 45 minutes before the meet starts and I always eat a peanut butter and jelly,” Powell said.
He said that there are a lot of things that he isn’t able to do.
“Everything takes a backseat to swimming,” Powell said
Powell said that even though swimming always comes first it really gives him a sense of accomplishment.
“It’s not like getting good grades,” Powell said. “It’s more satisfying, because it’s what I’ve trained for my whole life.”
Powell doesn’t plan on doing competitive swimming after high school.