ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Megan Hogan

You recently broke Ocoee High School’s 200-meter freestyle school record. How did that feel?

I just swam really fast and I was hoping for the best, and I got it. When I turned around and looked at the clock, there was just a huge smile on my face. 

How did you prepare to get a time like that? 

I swim both here and at Southwest (Aquatics), which is a club. And I was training with both. I just knew that I just had to push myself. 

How did you preparen for this season?

I really worked with Southwest over the summer a lot. We had morning and afternoon practices from 6 to 9 in the morning and 3:30 to 5:30 at night. 

Some of your teammates broke school records, as well. How do you encourage each other to work hard?

I told Jason (Wescott) — he broke the 50 free record — and I told him that he could go out there and do it, and he went out there and did it. We just cheer each other on. And Celina (Navarro) — she broke the 50 free record. I knew she could do it too, so I cheered her on. And then Hailey Weidman — she broke the 200 IM record. So we just go out there and cheer them on as best we can and hope for the best.

What are some of your hopes for the season going forward?

I’m hoping after the season that our (200-meter freestyle) relay can make it to states. I’m really hoping that. Also, I wanted to break the 100 free record, so I’m kind of training for that. I’m probably like six seconds off of it. I’m trying to prepare for that. 

Are there any meets that you’re anticipating?

I’m really looking forward to the West Orange meet, because they’re like our biggest rival. I’m really hoping that we do good against them. And districts and Metros, because I’ve never been to a meet like that. 

How long have you been training in swimming?

I first started swimming when I was about 10. I started lessons a little bit before that, and I just kept swimming. I’ve been swimming for almost five years now. 

How has your team improved this season?

Two weeks ago, we went against Apopka, and we doubled our score from last year. We’re improving a lot. A lot of our swimmers came here and didn’t even know how to swim. They’ve improved so much. 

Have you read any good books lately?

Last year in middle school I read a really good book, “Chains.” It was a really good book about slavery, and it had a great story behind it. 

Do you play any other sports besides swimming?

I’m thinking about trying out for the water polo team. But I stuck with swimming, because I was in baseball, and I had to quit because of my legs. I’ve had 13 surgeries.

How does swimming allow you to keep competing unlike other sports?

I used to be in baseball and soccer, and that was just way too much on my legs. After I played a game, I wouldn’t be able to walk for two days. In swimming, I can still compete and have fun with everyone, and I can have a competitive side to me. It doesn’t really put that much strain on my legs, even though I’m sore after I swim. 

When did you have those surgeries?

I was born with clubbed feet, so my first was when I was a couple weeks old. I had a full-leg cast when I was born. I’ve had knock knee surgery; I’ve had screws and plates everywhere. 

What’s your favorite movie and why?

The Fast and Furious movies, because I like action movies. And then it has a little bit of a romantic side to it too. 

What is something people don’t know about you?

I have a twin brother. He plays football.