ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sebastian Aguirre

Nine-year-old Sebastian Aguirre finished first in the 10-and-under boys division of the 800-meter Open Water Swim Challenge June 12, at Fort Myers Beach. The Imagine Charter School at North Manatee fifth-grader also helped lead the boys team to a third-place finish. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you finished in first place?
I was excited. My mom almost got me disqualified though. She almost crossed the finish line with me.

What’s the toughest part about open-water swimming?
The kids really kick you in the face because you’re all close together.

What’s your favorite stroke?
Butterfly. People say it’s hard, but for me it’s easy; and I want to be different.

Who is your favorite swimmer?
(My teammate) Kevin Berkenbusch. We’re really good best friends. He swims a lot, and I look up to him.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a younger sister, Suzy, who turned 8 years old June 30.

How did you get into swimming?
I started swimming in a pool in Maryland when I was 5 years old, and I really liked it. When I was about 7 years old, my mom asked me if I wanted to (try swimming) and I said, “Yes.”

Do you play any other sports?
I do kickboxing.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
An Olympian.

If you could have one super power what would it be?
To see into the future. I want to see if I can make it to the Olympics because I really want to go.

If you could go anywhere on summer vacation where would it be and why?
Argentina. I really miss my cousins.

Do you have a favorite movie?
“Rio.” There’s a lot of action and funniness. The music really caught my attention.