Athlete of the Week - West Orange Times & Observer: Jaiden Muramatsu

Jaiden Muramatsu, a swimmer for the SouthWest Stars swim team, qualified for the Canadian Age Group Championships.


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  • | 1:00 p.m. July 30, 2016
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Winter Garden’s Jaiden Muramatsu, a student at Montverde Academy and swimmer for the SouthWest Stars swim team out of SouthWest Aquatics, has qualified for the Canadian Age Group Championships July 27 to Aug. 1 in Calgary, Alberta. A Canadian native who moved to the United States when she was 2 years old, Muramatsu will compete in the 200- and 400-meter freestyle and IM events, the 800-meter event and the mile event.

 

Is this your first time qualifying for Canadian Age Group Championships?

This is my first year doing it. I’m really excited because I get to swim for where I was from, and I’ve never done it before.

 

Which event do you feel most confident about, and what is an event in which you hope to improve?

I really feel good about my 200-meter IM. ... I’ve been trying to focus on my 400-meter and 800-meter events — mostly my distance events.

 

What’s the best advice you’ve got from the coaches at SouthWest Aquatics?

I learned never to give up — even if you’re having a bad day. Just keep on pushing.

 

How often do you get to go back and visit Canada?

Usually every year, (to the Toronto area) to go see friends and family. I like visiting all my friends and family up there because I don’t get to see them often.

 

What is something you’ve learned from your teammate Katie Schorr, who just competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials?

She works very hard at practice, and she focuses on the details in her swimming. That’s why she does so (well) — she focuses on the little details to make her go faster.

 

What’s something you learned about in school that you found interesting?

This past year we dissected a frog — I really enjoyed that.

 

What’s your favorite guilty-pleasure food?

I like M&Ms — that’s my go-to.

 

What’s a television show you really enjoy?

I’ve been watching “Big Brother.” I like watching the competitions and the drama that happens in the house.

 

What’s your dream car?

The (Jeep) Sahara Unlimited. It’s a cool-looking car, and I want one. 

 

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