Athlete of the Week: Ethan Hodson, Olympia swimming

Olympia High swimmer Ethan Hodson won first place in the Class 4A District 4 Championship Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the 100 breast with a time of 59.74 seconds. He followed that with a third-place finish in the 100 breast at the Class 4A Region 2 Championship with a 59.32-second swim. 

Hodson’s performances earned a state appearance for the fourth consecutive year. He is ranked No. 1 on Olympia’s swim team with a 567.27 score. The swimmer also swims for LAKR Swim Club in Windermere. 

How does it feel being named Athlete of the Week? 

I am very excited. Throughout middle school and high school, I have watched different teammates (be) named Athlete of the Week, and I’m incredibly honored to also be recognized. I would like to thank my mom and all my coaches for pushing me through both good and bad times.

What do you enjoy most about swimming?  

The relaxing feeling of swimming and just being set with your thoughts with no worry in the world and just focusing on what you are doing with no outside distractions.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from swimming? 

Keep your head up, things might be slow, but they will eventually get there. And don’t lose your priorities.

What is your favorite swimming memory? 

2024 4A states prelims, where I swam an almost flawless race where I hit every turn just right and looking up at the scoreboard after the race and seeing I had a shot at getting an individual medal, which I did later that night at finals.

Who is your favorite athlete and why? 

Aaron Judge (with the) New York Yankees, he is one of the best players of all time, and I love his leadership and ability to bring his team together. I strive to do the same.

What is your go-to pre-meet meal?

(The) night before is chicken teriyaki with noodles and green beans.

What is your go-to pre-meet hype song?

“What was I thinking” by Dierks Bentley. 

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Car shows and history museums. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?  

My dog, a blanket and a survival knife with flint in the back. 

What is your favorite movie? 

“Rush.”

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be and why?  

My papa. He passed when I was 10 to Alzheimer’s and he was a collegiate athlete, and I would like his advice and would love to hear his stories of everything he experienced in his life. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?  

1920s America, New York. 

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?  

Don’t worry, you will get to the point where you want to be eventually, and listen to Mom. She knows what’s best for you. 

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?   

What were the scores of every Super Bowl from 2026 forward, and please say the word Packers one time. 

Who is your favorite superhero? Why? 

Batman; I like his car. 

Who is your favorite supervillain? Why?  

Penguin. He is a fascinating mob boss.

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

Time travel, so I can visit different decades and view different major events. 

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?  

Green Bay, Wisconsin, to watch a Packers game. Rome, because I would love to see the Colosseum. And New York to watch a game at Yankee stadium. 

What is your most controversial food take?  

Raw oysters and chicken liver. 

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

No, absolutely not.