Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Madeleine Reynolds

Madeleine Reynolds out-swam all her competition at the Florida Age Group Championships two weeks ago and came home with the metal to prove it. She finished with three golds, two silvers, one fourth-place finish and the High Point award for the winning the most points for a 10-year-old female at the state competition.

What was it like competing at the Florida Age Group Championship?

Once I got the 50 backstroke, I knew I’d need a couple more wins to get the High Point award. Once I did the 200 IM, I was happy, but my coach told me I was still one more first place win away.

Before the competition started, did you think you would be able to win the High Point award?

Yeah. We looked at where everyone seeded, so I knew I had a chance.

When did you realize you had won High Point?

Right after my last flip turn when I gained more speed on the other swimmers. But once I finished that race, I was dead.

What do you like about competing in swimming competitions?

I get to race different people, and it challenges me.

How do you prepare for each race during competitions?

I stretch and focus on what I’m going to do in the race. And before every meet we do a 1500 warm up.

What do you feel like you still need to work on in the pool?

My starts - to get off the block quickly - and my breakout underwater, which is when you do your underwater swimming and you can’t breathe on your first stroke.

Which stroke is the hardest?

Breaststroke. The kick is the hardest part.

What is your favorite part about swimming?

Getting to be with my friends.

What is your favorite animal?

Pigs, because they’re fat, and they play in the mud.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flying, because we’re always on land, so I could do that instead.

Contact Brittany Gaines at [email protected].