Athlete Spotlight Volume 2 Issue 1 August-September 2022

Athlete Spotlight: Lyndel Laudencia

Interview by Trinity Beverley and Isabella Switzer

Photo Courtesy of Lyndel Laudencia

INSPIRATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS

• Who are your sports heroes and what do you admire most about them?

Katie Ledecky, she was like 15 when she went to the Olympics.

• What do all good coaches have in common?

They care about their athletes and don’t just focus on one.

• How did you end up playing your current sport?

My brothers did it, and I wanted to try it.

• Any records you have broken?

I’ve broken school records such as 50 free and 50 fly. And county records such as the 100 fly.

• What is your plan to fulfill your sports goal?

My goal is to go to the Olympics.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

• Any nail-biting incidents that had happy endings?

During my races, I get nervous about adding time or being beat, but I just do my thing, and everything turns out great.

• Have you experienced serious injuries and how do you deal with the situation?

I have never dealt with injuries, but if I did, I would work on myself before going back.

• How do you handle missing out on activities with your friends because of your athletic schedule?

I don’t hang out with my friends much.

• How do you maintain a balance between academics and sports?

I do one hour of my schoolwork after practice.

DAILY ROUTINES

• Describe your typical day in your sports.

3-6 pm I go to practice, either at my club team or Oakland.

• Tell us about 1 or 2 things you do in training that directly contribute to your success.

I ask my coach how I can improve. Then I do what he tells me to.

• Do you follow a certain kind of diet?

2 weeks before a swim meet I eat healthy.

TEAMMATES, CAREGIVERS, AND ADVICE

• How would you describe your teammates?

Some good, some bad. The good ones will cheer you on, while the bad ones don’t care much.

• Have you had any difficulties with teammates, and how did you handle them?

I had some teammates tell me I'm bad and why I keep swimming, but I ignore them.

• Have you ever felt pressured by a coach or by your caregivers? If so, how did you handle it?

I had some pressure me to do well, and I want to please them, so I did what they ask.

• What have you learned about your own endurance?

I need to improve it.

• How supportive are your caregivers?

My parents are very supportive; they cheer me on and take me to practices. They help me achieve my goal of what I want out of swimming.

• What words of advice or encouragement can you share with younger or new athletes?

Just do it and just keep swimming.