ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Luke Morris

Braden River Middle School eighth-grader Luke Morris dropped five seconds off his 200-meter backstroke time at the 2010 Florida Swimming Long Course Junior Olympic Championships July 15-18 in Orlando, finishing in 2:36.89. The 13-year-old finished 34th in his age group. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you learned you had dropped five seconds off of your time?
I was excited and very pleased. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but I tried really hard and did well.

What do you enjoy the most about backstroke?
I just prefer it. I guess it comes easy to me.

How did you get into swimming?
I started when I was about 5 years old. My parents signed me up for a stroke clinic class just to learn how to swim normally. I liked it a lot, so I got on a team.

What do you enjoy the most about swimming?
I like being in the water, and a lot of my friends are here.

What’s your worst stroke?
Butterfly. I’m not good at it, and I don’t like it.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a younger brother Max, who is 11 years old.

What’s your favorite amusement park?
Cedar Point in Ohio. I like roller coasters, and they have a lot of roller coasters.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
The ability to fly. It just seems cool.

Are you from Florida originally?
No. I’m from Tennessee. I moved here about seven years ago when I first started swimming.

If you could go anywhere on vacation this summer, where would it be and why?
Hawaii. I’ve never been there before, and I’ve always wanted to go. I just want to see what its like.