The Saxon Scope sat down with 50 meter freestyle state champion Abi Speers to find out what motivates her, what her favorite part about swimming is, and more.
Q: When did you start swimming?
A: I started swimming in 1999 with the Hamlet Green Feet. I joined because one of the lifeguards told me I was too young to be able to swim across the pool unassisted. I don’t remember this, but apparently I jumped right there in the water and nearly drowned but somehow made it across the pool. Then they had to let me join. I’ve been swimming ever since.
Q: What made you fall in love with the sport?
A: I really love the water. When I was younger I used to play in the ocean for hours. I love the weightless feeling. It’s almost like flying.
Q: What makes you keep coming to all of those practices and meets?
A: It’s definitely a love/hate relationship! I have developed some of my greatest long-standing friendships from the guys and girls I train with, and have found some incredible mentors in my coaches over the years. The opportunity to travel around the country and the world to race and watch some of the fastest swimmers in the sport, definitely keeps me motivated. Also my teammates hold each other accountable. If you miss a killer practice you better be ready to take some crap for it the next day!
Q: Have there been any times when you didn’t like the sport or times when you wanted to quit? Why?
A: There were times when I considered quitting. I thought I was going to be a basketball player when I was younger! There are times when I feel like I never want to step foot in a pool again, but I never really consider quitting now. I need swimming. It clears my head and teaches me so much. I’m looking forward to swimming in college!
Q: What’s the hardest part about swimming?
A: The hardest part about swimming? yikes… it’s really such a rough sport I wouldn’t know how to pick! It’s such an incredibly difficult sport mentally and physically. Every day of practice we train to completely break our bodies and break through our mental and physical barriers. As my coach always says, “we train to win.” Every day.
Q: What’s been the best part about it?
A: There are a ton of things that I love about swimming! I love my team and get to train with some of my best friends every single day. I love my coach; he’s one of the weirdest humans on the planet. He’s incredible coach and we all have so much respect for him. I’m also an incredibly competitive person. I love the challenge, speed, and adrenaline of racing. High school swimming is super fun! Those meets are much less individualistic and more about teamwork and having fun!