ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Emma Sundermeyer

At the FHSAA state meet, Foundation Academy junior and swim team captain Emma Sundermeyer placed third in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:49.00 and fifth in the 100 meters freestyle with a time of 50.72. This is Sundermeyer’s fourth appearance at an FHSAA state meet.

Tell us about competing at states.
It was very fun, and there was a lot of great competition there, so … (that) allowed me to swim well. I had a great time. We had a lot of people from my team, more than usual — it was about six of us there. I was happy with how I swam, and I got to see some of my friends who I don’t get to see that often.   

How did it feel placing third?
I was happy with it. There was a lot of competition, and to come out somewhere on top, it was nice.

Tell us about your years as a swimmer.
I started swimming when I was about 7 or 8. I always knew how to swim before, because, when you live in Florida, there are a lot of bodies of water, so it’s important to know how to swim. I chose swimming, because I didn’t know what else to do at that point. (Because) my parents both swam, it was somewhat familiar with me, and so I decided to give swimming a try.

What has being team captain taught you this year?
It has let me see swimming from a different standpoint, because a lot of our team is new. It gives a fresh and fun feeling to swimming. Just being with them and seeing how they approach swimming is really fun, and I like to help out with whatever I can.

How did you feel when you were chosen captain?
It was something that I wanted to do and something that I wanted to be for a while, so I was happy.

What do you love most about swimming as a sport?
I like how I can be competitive. I am a very competitive person, so swimming allows me to be competitive with anyone and I can race and have fun with anyone.

What has swimming taught you not only inside of the pool but also outside of it?
Patience and hard work. Patience, because not every meet or every practice will be your best one, so it’s important to work hard and stay the course and if you work hard for your goals and you put in time and effort, it will happen.

Have you played any other sports?
I did gymnastics probably when I was 3 (until I was) 7 (years old).

What’s your favorite thing about being a part of your team?
Just the fun we have with (one another). Especially at our meets, we have a lot of fun and we cheer on everyone who is swimming. Our relays are also fun, and we like to switch it up, so I think I was swimming with everyone on our team at some point so that’s fun and you get to build relationships with them.

What do you believe makes you a unique swimmer?
I love to race, and I’m a competitive person. … I’m willing to race anyone — and I don’t think a lot of people truly like to race or truly love it when they race. I love that, and that’s one of my favorite parts — getting to race everyone.

What has been the hardest skill for you to learn?
Probably patience, because not every time you swim or not any time you get in the water is going to be your best time or is going to feel the best. But if you keep working hard and keep pushing through, then eventually, you will make improvements.

What would you like to study in college?
I would like to do something in the science department. I’m thinking biology right now, but I’m not 100% sure.

What’s your favorite hobby?
Either baking or wakeboarding. I like baking cookies or brownies.

What’s your favorite movie?
One that comes to mind is “Touch The Wall;” it’s about Missy Franklin. I really like that movie I could watch it endlessly so I’ll pick that one.

What’s a TV series you are binge watching right now?
It’s not really a TV series but, I’ve been really enjoying watching “Shark Tank.” I find it very entertaining.

Who’s your favorite superhero? Why?
Either Batman or Wonder Woman.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation, because you can get anywhere whenever you want, without waiting.

What type of music do you like to listen to?
I like country music and pop music. My favorite (country singer) is probably Florida Georgia Line.

Coffee or tea?
Neither. I don't know if I actually ever tried coffee and I don’t like tea.

What’s your favorite food?
Probably steak.

What’s your favorite dessert?
Ice cream, and my favorite flavor is either cookies and cream or chocolate chip cookie dough.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
The Maldives, I like tropical places so that’s always been somewhere I wanted to go, Paris and Australia.

What are three things on your bucket list?
To travel as many places as I can, go to all 50 states and go parasailing.

What are three things you would bring with you to a deserted island?
Food, water and two matches so I can make a fire.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would it be and why?
A dolphin because I love the water and they can swim really fast.

What color would you say represents your personality?
Blue, it’s my favorite color and the water is also blue.