Athlete of the Week: Danielle Valley

Lakewood Ranch High senior swimmer Danielle Valley qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swim Team Trials in two events at the Gator Swim Club Summer Invitational June 3 to June 5, in Gainesville. Valley, who swims for the Sarasota Sharks, swam the 400-meter freestyle Tuesday, June 26 and will compete in the 800-meter freestyle Saturday, June 30. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What does it mean to you to be competing in the Olympic Trials?
It means lots of hard work and dedication to get to this level.

Who is your favorite Olympian? Why?
Ryan Lochte. He puts in so much hard work and shows a great deal of preparation in his training based off of his races.

Of the events that you swim, which is your favorite? Why?
I think the 800-meter freestyle is my favorite because you pace yourself the whole way; and I feel like the longer the distance, the better I’ll swim.

How did you get into swimming?
My mom wanted to make sure that my brother and I knew how to swim, so she signed us up for the neighborhood swim team.

What do you enjoy the most about swimming?
I love the feeling of finishing a race and thinking how all the hard work has paid off. Also, all of the friends I have made throughout the years.

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

Do you have any siblings?
I have a brother, Mitchell, who is 18 years old.

Who is your biggest role model?
My biggest role models are definitely my parents. They are the ones who raised me up to be the person I am today, and I’m very thankful for that.

What’s your favorite food?
Ice cream and blueberries would be at the top of my list of favorite foods. I couldn’t live without either!

If you could do another sport for a day, just for fun, what would it be and why?
Snow skiing. There is so much variation in the sport.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Alaska. I love the outdoors, and Alaska seems like such a peaceful place to live.