Athlete of the Week: Summer Cardwell

Eight-year-old Summer Cardwell scored 140 points to win the high-point award for the girls 8 and under division at the TBAY Invitational June 29 and June 30, in Lakeland.

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners swimmer swam a total of 10 events, collecting eight medals and two ribbons. Summer finished first in the 25- and 50-yard backstrokes, setting a new personal best time of 37.75 in the 50.

Most recently, the Wakeland Elementary School third-grader competed in 100 backstroke in the 10U division of the Florida Age Group Swimming Qualifier July 21, in Gainesville.

The 50 backstroke is my favorite race, because I like backstroke. In backstroke, you aren’t on your front, and you don’t have to stare at the bottom of the pool.

I don’t like the 50 butterfly, because it’s hard to move your arms and legs at the same time.

I started swimming when I was about 5 years old. I tried everything else, and swimming fit me. I like playing with my friends and getting in the pool on a hot day.

My favorite swimmer is Ryan Lochte. He’s good. He teaches you to do your best and shake hands or give a high-five to the person next to you.

One of my goals was to make FLAGS. I always wondered what it would be like, because it sounded like fun.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected]