Determination

Interview with Emily Gregory

Sport: Swimming
Year in School: Senior
Height: 5’6”
Events: 100m & 200m butterfly, 50m freestyle
Hometown: Burnsville, MN

What has been your most exciting moment as a Lady’back swimmer?
Standing up on the starting block at the SEC Finals for the 100m butterfly and being able to hear my teammates cheering on the side of the pool!

How fast can you swim to the end of the pool and back?
24 seconds flat!

How do you motivate yourself to keep getting better?
In swimming, I think about my teammates and representing a team where everyone is pushing themselves to get better. When I think of this, it makes me want to be one of those people and really contribute to the team. We all push ourselves to the limit to make each other better.

What do you like to do besides swim?
I love downhill skiing, playing outside, climbing trees, roller blading, and watching funny movies.

How has determination helped you get where you are today?
Having determination to fulfill my potential as a student, an athlete, and a Christian has led me to where I am today. I don’t want to leave anything I have unused.

How has determination been needed with your team?
As a team we have had some low lows and some high highs. Determination has certainly gotten us through the low times and helped us to win some meets and bring us closer as a team.

What is one of your goals?
My goal this year is to make it to nationals and graduate with a 3.9 GPA.

What’s your plan to reach that goal?
Do everything my coaches tell me. Study hard inside and outside of the classroom.

What are some distractions you face in reaching your goal?
T.V.!!! I just struggle with spending too much time on things that don’t matter as much as swimming and school.

What helps you avoid distractions?
Focusing on my goal!

What are some obstacles you might face?
Feeling too tired to do homework or give all I have in each practice and wanting to stay up too late on weekends—which will just make me more tired!

What helps you to persevere in spite of obstacles?
Knowing how much hard work I have already put in to my goals. It would be a shame to waste it or give up.