ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sebastian Aguirre

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

Eight-year-old Sebastian Aguirre set personal bests in the 50-meter breaststroke and the 100-meter freestyle at the 2010 Escape the Heat meet June 11-13 in Clearwater. The Imagine Charter School at North Manatee fourth-grader shaved eight seconds off his time in the 50 breaststroke (1:08.04), and almost nine seconds off his time in the 100 freestyle (1:23.89).

Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you learned how much time you dropped?
My jaw dropped. I was super surprised.

Of the five events that you swam this weekend, which is your favorite?
The 100 freestyle. It’s kind of difficult, and I’m trying to push myself to do the 200 freestyle. I like freestyle a lot. It’s really easy to do.

How did you get into swimming?
Almost two years ago, my mom told me they were having registration and asked me if I wanted to do swimming. I said, “OK,” and she put me in there.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking of being a policeman.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a 6-year-old sister named Suzy.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate with caramel on top

What’s your favorite Disney movie?
“Race to Witch Mountain.” It has lots of action, and it’s kind of funny.

What’s your favorite amusement park?
Busch Gardens. It’s really fun. You get to see a lot of animals, and it has a lot of roller coasters.

If you could go anywhere on vacation this summer, where would it be?
To see my grandpas and grandmas in Argentina.

What’s your favorite food?
Pepperoni pizza

Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs — a schnauzer and a French poodle — and two cats.

What’s your favorite subject in school?
P.E. Every Wednesday, we get to do whatever we want.