East County Athlete of the Week: Kate Walker

Kate Walker is a sophomore swimmer at Braden River High. In July, she finished fourth (1:18.22) in the 100 breaststroke and seventh (2:50.81) in the 200 breaststroke at the 2017 Aquatica Summer Splash in Orlando. 

When did you start swimming?

I swam in summer leagues when I was like 6-7 years old, and after that I started competitive swimming in sixth grade.

What is the appeal of swimming to you?

It keeps me focused and on track in life in general. It is fun to be around some of your best friends every day doing the same thing together, and also just feeling good, staying in shape.

What is your best stroke?

My breast stroke. I feel most of the top breast strokers in swimming are really muscular and have really good underwater off-walls (pushes) and that's what I'm best at. I'm really strong, but my underwater off-walls, I would say, are what makes it. 

What is your favorite swimming memory?

I went to Miami for a travel trip with my team (Sarasota Tsunami) a little while back (in May). It wasn't a huge meet, but it had a lot of racing and we were stuck on the hot pool deck the whole day. It was fun not having any stress while racing, just having fun with my teammates. 

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite show is "The Walking Dead" and my favorite movie is "Pirates of the Caribbean."

What hobbies do you have?

I play cello and I love reading and working out. I also go to the beach a lot. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

English. It's just what I'm best at. 

What is your dream vacation?

I would love to visit another country, especially somewhere in Europe. Norway would probably be one I would really like to visit. I love cold weather. The mountains and lakes are beautiful and I want to see the Northern Lights. The cabins in the woods and remote places look beautiful. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Everything I sacrifice now that seems important to me will be worth it in the long run. School dances, hanging out with friends that are not part of the swim team, having sleepovers and getting to sleep in later. It will be worth it in the long run.

Finish this sentence: "Kate Walker is ... "

Awesome. I'm pretty cool and chill in general. I'm fun, my friends typically say (laughs).