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Athlete of the Week

Smith’s dedication paying off

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Name: Addison Smith

School: Hollidaysburg Area

Age: 15

Grade: Sophomore

Sport: Swimming

Athlete of the week achievement: Won the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship in the 200-yard freestyle in 2:04.91, the 400 freestyle relay in 3:59.6 and also was part of the winning team in a special mixed bonus relay, the 400 relay X 100 IM in 4:14.35. Earlier in the week, she won all four of her events (200 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 free relay, 400 free relay) in a win over Clearfield.

Season update: Smith's best times are as follows, 200 freestyle, 2:02.62; 500 freestyle, 5:24.82 and 1650 freestyle, 18:27.37.

Coach Baron Leonard's quote: "She is the sort of athlete that will be waiting outside the pool to be let in before practice. She's usually the first one in the water and the last one out of it. That type of dedication is rare and the results show in her success season after season. I've seen her set out to race the 1650 and set personal bests in her 200, 500, and 1000 yard swims in the course of the race. That's tenacity. She's posted very solid mid-season times thus far with a 2:04.91 200 free at LHAC meet and a 5:36.82 in the 500 free at the Arctic Classic taking first and second in those events respectively. I think she will see some drops this championship season that will surprise even her."

Favorite teacher: Mr. Andrew Tinker

Favorite subject: Math/Science

Favorite movie: "Tangled"

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite song: "Garden in Manhattan" by Josiah Queen

Outside interests: Running, art

Favorite professional team: Penguins

Favorite college team: NC State swimming and Penn State football

Pro athlete most admired: Katie Grimes

Best athlete I ever competed against: Leah Shackley

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents

Proudest athletic achievement: Completing my 5K swim in the ocean

How I got my start in swimming: "My mom signed me up for swim lessons so that I could pass the YMCA swim test."

Future goal: Swim in college

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