Madison Dodger Online (MDO) sat down with sophomore Laurel Carey (LC) to discuss her life thus far as an accomplished swimmer. Laurel took us through her aquatic career from the beginning lessons at the Berkeley Aquatics Club to her notable participation in the Morris County Championship as well as the Meet of Champions.

(MDO): How old were you when you learned how to swim, and who taught you?

(LC): I started swimming when I was about 4 years old. I first started taking lesson from Berkeley Aquatic Club- the coach’s name was Jamaul- then slowly moved up to my neighbor that was a head coach on the current team I swim on now, Jenn.

(MDO): At what age did you start swimming competitively? What made you interested in this sport?

(LC): I started swimming competitively when I about 6 or 7 years old. I started to be interested in this sport because of my brother and my mom. My brother wanted to swim so my put him in the sport when my mom wanted to me to learn and I fell in love with the sport and have been ever since.

(MDO): What was the name of the first team you have ever been on? Are you still on that team? What team(s) are you on now?

(LC): I was on Morris County Swim Club (MCSC), I am still currently on this team. I have been on this team since I was 7 years old. I swim all year round and in the winter I swim for MCSC and Madison High School swimming. During the summer I swim for MCSC and the Madison community pool- my summer league is the Madison Barracudas.

(MDO): What are your best record times?

(LC): Some of my best record times are in the 50yd, 100yd, and 200yd free. My best time in the 50 free yards is 24.56, 100 free yards is 51.99, and 200 free yards 1.53.56.

(MDO): What major meets and championships did you qualify for, participate in, and place in?

(LC): I participated in A Champs, County’s, and the Meet of Champions for high school swimming as a freshman. I won both the 50 and 100 free at A’s and counties and achieved the county record in the 100 free at county’s. I placed 9th in the 200 free at MOC’s and 10th in the 100 free. For club swimming I have participated in Sectionals and Fruits which are very high level meets.

(MDO): Do you plan on swimming after high school and possibly training for the Olympics?

(LC): I have my mind set on swimming in college for sure. I am unsure if I would continue swimming for the olympics it would all depend on my performance in my 4 years of college. It is one of my biggest dreams to swim in the olympics but it is also a very big decision to make.

Madison Dodger Online congratulates Laurel on her achievements and wishes for the best in her future years as a swimmer!