Sam of Cocalico already has a nice collection of gold medals this year, having won four at the Lancaster-Lebanon League girls' meet two weeks ago.
She won the 200-yard freestyle (1:54.09) and the 100 backstroke (58.95) along with earning the 200 freestyle relay (1:41.56) and the 400 freestyle relay (3:41.17) with her Eagle teammates.
The junior is seeded No. 1 for this weekend's 200 freestyle at the District 3-AAA girls' swimming championships. She is also No. 4 in the 100 backstroke.
The following interview took place after the L-L meet.
How and when did you get involved with competitive swimming?
I was eight years old. I have tried every sport in the book. Swimming is what worked out for me and this is what I love to do.
Why are you passionate about this sport?
It is honestly my life. I wake up every day and look forward to going to practice, look forward to seeing my friends. It gives me a way to be self-motivated.
Which event is your favorite?
The 100 backstroke, because it is where I get to use my strength, which is my legs. I always feel comfortable in it.
Has the winter weather, along with the school and practice postponements, affected your rhythm?
With being on a YMCA team and a high school team, sometime if one is cancelled, the other might not be. So not too much.
What goals do you have for districts and states?
I would love to lower all of my times from last year, and I would love to get an automatic bid [to states] so I don't have any stress.