On Nov. 11, junior Carly Larson became De Pere High School’s first state champion swimmer, as she finished with a 53.77 time in the 100m fly.
“It’s cool that I was the first one and I’m glad I could represent De Pere at the top of the podium at a statewide level,” Larson said. “I’m just happy I did it.”
Larson’s time was nearly a full second ahead of Sophia Brueggeman from Brookfield Central, who finished second in 54.70.
Of course, this was no easy achievement for Larson. Practice and exercise routines had to become normal for Larson. Other than training, winning the title also required other skills.
“I focused a lot on time aspects, but this year I have more just focused,” Larson said. “I realized I’m not a serious person. I feel I’m a very fun person, so I try to bring that into my swimming life too and have fun with it and not put so much pressure on myself.”
A state championship in any sport requires poise and finesse. Many athletes struggle to perform in big moments. Larson wasn’t ready to let these strains get to her.
“I definitely felt the pressure this year when all the results started coming in and I realized that I was going to be seated first, going into state,” Larson said. “The whole entire week, I was very nervous, but every time I thought of it and I started getting nervous, I just gave it to God and I knew that he was in control of it all. So that helped me a lot. I just did a lot of praying last week.”
It’s hard enough to win a state championship; being a trailblazer for your school is even more so. Everyone remembers the very first to accomplish something. Being the first is an achievement on another level.
“I think I was just relieved,” Larson said. “All the pressure and all my nervousness; it was just kind of gone and in that moment when I saw the one next to my name. I was just really happy.”
Larson also competed in the 200m freestyle relay in which her team placed 12th, despite her 23.27 time.
Additionally, Larson took 5th in the 50m freestyle with a 23.34 time. The De Pere/West De Pere team finished 14th place overall with 50 points.
