Emma Newman, Champaign Central High School

 

 

When did you start swimming? How did you get started? What teams or clubs have you swum with?

 

I started swimming at the age of five.  As a young kid I was never afraid of the water.  My family went to Sholem every day during the summer and I was always the first one to get into the water and the last one to get out of the water.  I loved to swim.  I first started swimming with the Champaign County Aquachiefs 1997 and then joined the Sholem Sharks later that year.  I swam with Aquachiefs until Storm and Aquachiefs merged and we became Heat.  I also swam for my high school, Champaign Central. 

 

What are your college plans? Will you swim? What will you major in?

 

College plans�that is an interesting question.  I am still undecided on where I will be attending next year.  My top three choices are the University of Iowa, Miami of Ohio University, and Eastern Illinois University.  As of right now, I plan on swimming at the school that I attend.  I intend on majoring in dietetics. 

 

What have you learned from swimming?

 

Swimming has taught me SO much.  It has taught me how to work hard, because without hard work it would be impossible for me to reach my goals.  I have also finally realized how mental the sport of swimming is.  Staying relaxed and focused is key not only in meets, but also in practices (especially Erick Mondays).  Swimming has also taught me how to manage my time.  I can now balance two swim practices a day, school, homework, family, friends, sleeping, and eating in a whole day!   

 

What is your favorite swimming memory?

 

I have two favorite memories.  My first one was making finals at the IHSA State swim meet in the 100 breaststroke my junior year.  My second favorite moment will be one that I will remember for forever.  Last year, I attended the Missouri Grand Prix meet and one of the National Team swimmers was Ryan Lochte.  If anyone really knows me, they would know that I am obsessed with him.  Turns out he was staying at the same hotel as us.  We ended up eating breakfast with him for two mornings.  That weekend was probably one of the best swim meets ever.  I swam awesome and got to swim and eat breakfast with an idol of mine.  It was not until after the meet that I realized that I got to compete with such an elite group of swimmers and it in a sense made me feel like a part of such a great group of swimmers. 

 

What is your favorite event? Least favorite?

 

My absolute favorite event is the 200 breaststroke.  The 100 breaststroke comes in a close second.  I have also learned to really enjoy swimming the 400 IM.  My least favorite event is hands down the 200 backstroke.  Me and backstroke just do not mix.

 

What is your favorite movie? Favorite food? Favorite place?

My favorite movie is definitely Marley and Me.  My favorite food would be any type of ice cream.  I have quite the sweet tooth.  My favorite place in the world is the beach.  I love being able to just lie out on the beach and relax. 

 

 

What 3 people would you invite to dinner?

 

I would invite Bruce Miller, Carol Wright, and of course Ryan Lochte. 

 

Tell us something about yourself that people might find surprising or interesting.

 

I love traveling.  Someday I plan on traveling the world.