Interview with Socorro High School Swim Meet Qualifier Riley Sewell

This interview took place after Riley competed in the state swim meet at Albuquerque Academy High School on Feb. 21 and 22. 

1. What was your mindset on the bus ride up?

Riley Sewell: My mindset on the bus ride up was just to try and have fun. I was really worried about my races, and I think trying to not take it as seriously helped me not be as anxious as I normally would be about them. I just tried to stay calm and practice gratitude for even being able to go in the first place.

2. What was going through your head before your race?

R.S.: Before my race, I was visualizing how it would go, and imagining myself having the perfect race. I was also thinking about being intentional with my warm up beforehand.

3. How did you place?

R.S.: I placed 17th in the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.52, tied with another person (Soo Lee from La Cueva), and 12th in the 100 freestyle with a time of 50.86, tied with two other people (Caleb Solis from Rio Rancho and Benjamin Jang from Carlsbad).

4. Did you place in the spot you hoped for?

R.S.: I was hoping to get a top ten place, however I am happy with my performance. I also think getting a tie in both of my events definitely makes an interesting story.

5. If you could change one thing about your races, what would you change?

R.S.: One thing I would change about my races is my level of determination. I tried hard in both of my races, it just felt like I was missing something. If I'd had it, I might've been able to kick it into another gear and perform a lot better.