Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Ryan Le

Despite having taken up the sport just over a year ago, Ocoee High junior Ryan Le has already entered his name into the Knights record books after breaking the school record for the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:05 — a 10-second improvement from his previous best. Le also has come close to toppling the school record in the 50-meter freestyle and is excited about what’s still to come in his budding swim career.

Did you think you would be able to break a school record?

No, I didn’t expect it at all because I’ve only been swimming for a year. I’ve just been working hard. My best time before (in the 100-meter breaststroke) was like a 1:15, so when I dropped 10 seconds, it was crazy.

What got you into swimming at a later age than normal?

Actually, I really want to get into the Navy and become a Navy Seal, that kind of stuff. So, I came to this school as a sophomore and joined swimming and was like, “Oh wow, this is a lot harder than I thought.”

Where did you go to school before Ocoee High, and how do you like it there?

I came from Orlando Science. It’s a charter school with no sports, so we decided to come over here, and I would have a change of scenery. There are a lot more events than my old school. (Ocoee High) has a bigger environment and so many more people. … It’s really cool.

What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

I definitely want to break that 50-meter freestyle (school record) at Metros. 

What do you enjoy about swimming?

I’m addicted to how hard you have to work and then watching yourself grow over the years, dropping time. That hard work actually pays off, and it feels really good.

You mentioned that you’re still growing. How much taller have you grown during high school?

I grew like four inches in 10th grade and another inch this year. Hopefully, I keep on growing.

Beyond possibly joining the Navy, what are other careers you would like to pursue?

I want to become a computer engineer, which is what my dad does. so I might follow in his footsteps. I’m also interested in becoming an astronaut, because that’s always cool.

What are some sports you like to watch?

Soccer and the other thing is e-sports. Soccer because the announcers are super enthusiastic. … (e-sports) I like FNATIC, OpTic and Cloud9.