Athlete of the Week: Olivia Ray, Ocoee swimming

As a freshman, Ocoee High School swimmer Olivia Ray defeated the school’s record in the 100 breaststroke. A year later, Ray returned as a sophomore to beat her previous record by two seconds. 

Ray now holds Ocoee High’s school record in the 100 breaststroke with her time of 1:07.70. She recorded the time during the preliminary round of the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship Friday, Nov. 14. In the finals, Ray swam the 100 breaststroke in 1:08.73 and finished 14th overall. 

The sophomore swimmer is ranked No. 1 on Ocoee’s swim team, No. 6 on Southwest Stars Swim Club and No. 75 in Florida. She has a power index of 46.75, and she is on track to continue her growth in her next two years as an Ocoee swimmer. 

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

What I enjoy most about swimming is the feeling I get when I enter the water.

When did you start swimming, and why did you join?

I started swimming when I was 8, and I started swimming because I finished swimming lessons and decided to move up. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in swimming?

My biggest accomplishment is converting from a flyer to a breaststroker. 

What has swimming taught you?

Swimming has taught me that if you really want something, you have to work to get it. 

How would you describe yourself as a teammate? 

I would describe myself as someone who, if you were sad or having a bad day, could make you laugh. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined swimming? 

I would say don’t be discouraged if your times aren’t what you want or if someone is better than you, because you progress at your own pace. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team? 

It’s not about the time; it’s about the effort. 

What is your pre-game ritual?

I eat three oranges and then warm up and go behind the blocks early to see the competition. 

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why?

I don’t think it’s a sport, but I would be a band member, because they are so cool. 

Who do you look up to the most?  

I look up to my dad the most, because he always strives to be his best, and he has a lot of confidence in himself. 

What is something new you would like to learn?

I want to learn sign language.  

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I would want to live in New York City and in an apartment with a lot of windows. 

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

If I won the lottery, I would get more dogs. 

What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I get a two-week break from school. 

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to either be a lawyer or own my own business. 

If you became famous, what would it be for?  

I would be famous for going to Starbucks the most. 

 If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

I would choose a polar bear, because they are ruthless. 

What is your perfect day? 

My perfect day would be if we did sprints off the blocks at practice. 

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? 

Fruit. 

What does 6-7 mean?

6-7 means so-so or maybe, but it’s also a way of life.