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THORNTON — After coming ever so close the previous two seasons to bringing home a coveted first place at the Class 5A state swimming and diving meet, ThunderRidge junior Annie Ochitwa has an air of determination in voice.
Ochitwa had posted the state’s fastest times in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyles entering Friday’s preliminary round of the state meet at Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center. She reinforced that during her two individual races to enter Saturday’s finals as the favorite in both events.
Ochitwa blazed to a time of 23.14 seconds in the 50, bettering her season best by 0.38s of a second.
An hour later, swimming in the 100 free prelims, she clocked a time of 50.64 seconds, better than six-tenths of a second faster than any other swimmer and more than a second faster than her previous best.
After finishing second at the state meet in the 50 as both a freshman and sophomore and second and third, respectively, in the 100, Ochitwa is bound and determined to get over the hurdle.
“It’s motivation for sure,” she said. “I think what really bothered me is I knew I could do it.”
That’s what got her out of bed for early morning workouts this season, what pushed her to put in the extra laps at practice.
She began her tapering routine on Monday. It undoubtedly helped her more mentally than physically.
“I think not thinking about swimming helped,” she said of having the week to focus on her academics and other interests.
As a result, Ochitwa entered the state meet not really knowing what to expect.
“I didn’t really know how I’d feel in the water,” she said.
Having posted the fastest prelim times Friday was another help.
“It’s another confidence booster she said.
But she’s far from resting on her laurels, although she plans no change from her normal preparation.
“I’ve got a routine and we’re going to stick with it,” she vowed.
“I’ll definitely do better (Saturday),” she said of predicting personal bests in both events in the finals.
Saturday’s diving prelims begin at 9 a.m., with the swimming finals set to begin at 2 p.m.
