Freshman finds swimming to be top sport

Many students throughout the school participate in other, more competitive, athletic teams out of the school environment. Some participate in the same sports in school and out, and others participate in sports that are not offered in school. One of these sports is swimming, which is what freshman Kayla Mountain competes in.

“I was playing softball before swimming, but I decided that it wasn’t for me,” Mountain said. “So, my parents put me in swimming and I have stuck with it because I enjoyed it along with having a great coach and teammates.”

Mountain has swum for five different teams in three different states since she started competitive swimming at age 10. She currently swims for Ad Astra Area Aquatics in Lawrence. The team has monthly swim meets along with around six practices per week, which are each about two hours long.

“I usually swim the 200 breaststroke, 50 freestyle, or 100 freestyle,” Mountain says, “but the 50 freestyle is my favorite.”

Her best times in these events are; 34.52 seconds in the 50 freestyle, 1 minute and 18.53 seconds in the 100 freestyle, and 3 minutes and 40.88 seconds in the 200 breaststroke.

“You develop a good mindset and work ethic in swimming,” Mountain said, “and it feels good to finally reach your goal after years of working towards it.”