- September 6, 2024
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When Windermere High and Lakers Aquatics swimmer Rylee Erisman swam a 54.34 in the 100-meter freestyle at the Speedo Sectionals in May, it made her the fastest 15-year-old American female ever in the event.
A month later, she lined up in the Olympic Trails finals in the 50-meter freestyle for a chance to qualify for Team USA and head to Paris for the Summer Games. The Windermere Wolverine was just .36 seconds away from punching her ticket to Paris, but the swimmer’s fifth-place finish earned her a spot on the American team heading to Australia in August for the 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships.
With this kind of production at such an early age, we’re bound to see Erisman continue to carve her spot on the USA swimming scene.
Age: 15
Sport: Swimming
Grade: Sophomore
School: Windermere High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
Considering all the other great athletes in Orange County, I’m just happy to be selected.
What was it like to compete at the Olympic Trials?
The Olympic Trials for swimming were held in Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts play, so it was a very unique experience. It was unlike any swim meet I’ve ever been to.
How motivated are you to come back in 2028 and make the Olympic team?
I am very motivated for 2028. To swim in the Olympics is a dream, but to swim in one taking place in my home country would be even more special.
What did you learn from the experience?
I learned that I am able to hold my own against past and present Olympians and perform well at one of the highest levels in swimming.
What was the coolest moment from the Olympic Trials?
Definitely making the 50 free finals. I had a couple of other night swims — 50 free semis, 100 free semis and 100 back semis — that were all broadcast live on NBC, but the 50 free finals, with two spots on the line for the Olympic team, was the most exciting.
What do you like the most about swimming?
The entire journey!
I like seeing how the work I put in on a daily basis translates to success when it’s time to compete.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from swimming?
If you keep working hard and stay motivated, it usually pays off.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Too many to list, but if I had to pick one I’d say Olympic swimmer Regan Smith, because she’s humble and inspiring.
What is your favorite swimming memory?
Getting my first Olympic Trials cut last summer.
What is your go-to pre-meet meal?
Turkey sandwiches with Doritos and Coke.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
Hanging out with friends.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math. I love being able to solve problems and figure them out.
It gives me a good challenge.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
My bed, because I love it; Chapstick, because I hate chapped lips; and my iPhone to call for help.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
We’ve got it pretty good today, so not sure I’d want to go back but if I had to, the ‘90s seem like they were pretty cool!
What is your favorite movie?
“Touch the Wall,” which follows two swimmers on their journey to make the Olympics.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Sha’Carri Richardson, because she seems super cool, and she’s a sprinter like me.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy the experience, because it goes by quickly.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Flying, because I’d love to get to places quicker.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Santorini, Hawaii and Fiji, because they all look super pretty and fun to visit.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A dolphin, because it’s my favorite animal.
What is your most controversial food take?
Tortilla chips dipped in Chick-fil-A sauce.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
I’ve never tried it on pizza, but I’m not a fan of pineapple, so no.
