East County Athlete of the Week: Payton Griffin

Payton Griffin is a junior girls swimmer at Lakewood Ranch High and with the Sarasota Tsunami swim team. Griffin finished eighth in the 200-meter freestyle (2:14.23) at the USA Swimming Futures Championship, held July 24-27 in Austin, Texas. Griffin also finished 22nd in the 1,500-meter freestyle (18:04.16) and 28th in the 800-meter freestyle (9:20.65).

When did you start competitive swimming?

I first joined competitive swimming when I was 7 years old. I always loved the water when I was little. My mom (Ali Griffin) was a swimmer when she was younger, so we did lessons together, and I went from there. 

What is the appeal to you?

When I'm in the water I ignore everything else. I can focus only on swimming for a while. 

What is your favorite event to swim?

I like the 500 freestyle. It's a middle distance. It's not too long — not as bad as the mile — but it's also not a sprint. That's what I like. 

What have you been working to improve?

My mile swim has improved a lot over the last year. I have gotten better at pacing myself during races. At swim practice, we have been splitting into groups and that has allowed me do more endurance sets. 

What is your favorite swimming memory?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we did open water swimming at practice instead of pool swimming. We swam in the (Sarasota) Bay and it was a lot of fun. We saw some dolphins and manatees out there. I have not continued with open water swimming after COVID but I would like to get into it more in the future. 

What are your goals for the upcoming high school season?

I just want to make the podium at states in the 500 free. 

What is your favorite food?

I love plain pasta. 

What is your favorite school subject?

I like English. I like reading and writing and being creative. 

What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite is "Gilmore Girls."

What is the best advice you have received?

Don't get in your head too much. Don't overthink. I used to be hard on myself and think more negatively, but I know now that it helps to think positively about my races. 

Finish this sentence: "Payton Griffin is …"

Compassionate.