Observer Preps Athlete of the Week: Kara Holt

A year after placing 10th in the state as a freshman diver for Olympia High in 2015, sophomore Kara Holt placed second in the state Nov. 5 with a score of 432.25 — up from 368.20 in 2015 — at the FHSAA Swimming and Diving State Championships in Stuart.

Q-AND-A

What was it like to jump up eight spots, from 10th to second, between your freshman and sophomore year?

It’s pretty exciting. I did not expect to get that close (to winning a state title), but I know I’ve improved a lot from last year.

How long have you been diving and how did you get into it?

I’ve been diving for about two-and-a-half years and I came from gymnastics. Gymnastics to diving is an easy transition.

FHSAA Diving is off of the 1-meter platform, but for club swimming you can go all the way up to the 10-meter platform. How long did it take you dive from that height and what was it like the first time?

I actually started (diving from the 10-meter platform) recently, last year. It’s pretty scary the first time, but then it’s so much fun because you just feel like you’re flying through the air.

What have you done to improve so much over the course of the past year?

I have great coaches and I just listen to their corrections and make the best out of every day.

The Olympia boys and girls swim teams had strong seasons, with the girls team placing fourth at state. What was your favorite memory from this past season?

I enjoyed being at states with everyone — sharing the same hotel.

We’ve got two big holidays coming up — Thanksgiving and Christmas. Which of those are you looking forward to the most?

Definitely Christmas — my family is going to Colorado for a ski trip.

What’s your favorite television show?

I like “Grey’s Anatomy” a lot.

What subject during the schooldays interests you the most?

I like chemistry — I guess it’s cool doing all the lab experiments.