Q&A with Ridgeline swimmer Laura Rigby
MILLVILLE, Utah — A Q&A with Laura Rigby who is a swimmer at Ridgeline High School and the Cache Valley Marlins Swim Team.
Age: 17 years
Sports participated: Swimming, Cross Country, Track and Field
Years in current sport: 9 years
Grade/Year: Senior
Coach McEuen on Laura: Laura has swam for just about a decade. In that time she has developed amazing qualities that are necessary for a successful athlete and young adult. She is disciplined and consistent. She takes her training seriously. That is a huge part of why she is successful.
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Laura Rigby: I would like to break 5 minutes on my 500 freestyle and break 2 minutes on my 200 freestyle. I would also like to break the 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle records for RIdgeline High School. I would like to swim in college.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Rigby: Putting in hard work everyday, because every day matters. I’ve just made the choice to swim everyday, regardless of the circumstances. Sometimes you have to just grit your teeth and push through it.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Rigby: Even on the hard days when you want to go easy, you should still push and imagine you are racing against your opponent.
What do you love about your sport?
Rigby: I love the way it feels when you go fast.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Rigby: I like to listen to music to get into the zone, then warm up and walk confidently to the blocks.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Rigby: Reading, hanging out with friends.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Rigby: Sportsmanship – being nice to everyone, even when they are struggling or doing their very best. It has also taught me how to make new friends and be patient with others.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Rigby: You can’t have diamonds without pressure. Success is by choice, not by chance.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Rigby: I used a certain strategy because that is what everyone else was doing, but found out that, just because it works for others, it may not work for you. Trust yourself.
Anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
Rigby: Remember that hard work is more valuable than talent.
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