- 2022 Highlights
Personal Statement
It all started the summer of July 2012, when I was nine years old, and I joined my first USA Virginia year-round club team. I knew then that swimming was going to be my sport instead of basketball. I was aware of the commitment that it required; I would need to attend practice 6 days a week. All these lessons have prepared me for life after high school.
Swimming has taught me to respect my coaches and teammates, to have a good work ethic by being prompt, to set goals that are obtainable for myself, and to not compare myself to others. Swimming has also taught me how to accept my shortcomings.
Swimming plays a big part in the success in the classroom for a lot of students, especially myself. I think that swimming for 10 years has helped me in the classroom. By going to practice for six days a week for two hours, it has taught me how to build my focus and memorization skills from the sets you do repeatedly. I believe this has also helped me increase my processing speed. By having to practice at 5:30 a.m. for two hours before going to school, my brain is open and ready to go for any classwork. In addition, communication and math skills are a must for a swimmer.
Most of all these skills that you learn as a swimmer are life lesson skills for you to pass onto others. For example, as a swimmer, you want to be mindful that the next generation is always watching and hoping to become as skilled. It is important for them to know that this comes from their hard work and dedication. You not only want to set an example to follow but to become a leader as well by stepping out of your comfort zone. A good mentor possesses excellent communication skills, such as being able to give constructive feedback, listening, and being attentive to details.
Recently, I was allowed to volunteer for nine weeks on my USA club swim team for a younger swim member. Mentoring a young person will stay with them forever. By giving them words of encouragement and positive feedback, I hope they continue to love the sport as I do.
I am proud to have been allowed at Fluvanna County High School to swim in the Virginia High School League by setting two individual school records in the 200 and 500 Free; and three relay school records 200 Individual Medley, 200 Free, and 400 Free.
I look forward to becoming a collegiate swimmer and working on my dreams of becoming an Olympian. I plan to use my platform to encourage and promote children of color on water safety as a lifelong skill. Being able to give back to a swimmer that loves the sport as much as I do is the best feeling and a real sense of accomplishment. It has also taught me that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.
Class of 2022,
Ahmad Malik Woodson
