Winn, girls make waves with an undefeated record

By Dre Colston and Emma Cartledge

   Margo Winn, a dominant force on the girls swim team, qualified for the state meet in her first swims for the Raiders with a 59.49 in the 100-yard free and a 107.91 in the 100-yard backstroke.
   Winn started swimming competitively at the age of 6 and stopped at 13.
   “My older sister always swam, so I started,” she said. “Being the little sister I just felt like I should swim too. I’ve always loved being in the water.” 
   Winn stopped swimming because she felt like her old team took the “fun” out of swimming. 
   “My old team took swimming way too serious,” Winn said. “I mean swimming isn’t the most fun sport but I mean I just stopped enjoying swimming and we were always at each other’s throats.”
   This team is more of a “family” according to Winn. 
   “I don’t regret quitting because I feel it was the right choice for me, but I miss it a lot,” the which stroke is her best said, “I was really close with the girls on the team and miss the atmosphere.”
   “We all support each other and want each other to win,” Winn said, “its really nice having that support.” 
   Winn’s favorite stroke is the backstroke.
   “I love competing in all the meets, I really like the competition in the sport,” Winn said, “especially with this year’s team the meets are always fun.” 
   The girls swim team is currently undefeated, with a record of 7-0. As a critical part of this team, Winn has made three state cuts: 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, and 200 individual medley. 
   “Coach Sirko is an amazing coach with a lot of expertise that he passes down to us,” Winn said. “He pushes us to be the best we can and really wants us to succeed.” 
   “Margo is an excellent swimmer and very versatile as well,” said Coach Jon Sirko, “in this past swim meet she showed how versatile she is by swimming the 500 freestyle and doing very well, I look forward to see how she does during the remainder of the season.” Winn has been a pivotal part of the girl’s success this year.
   She loves the atmosphere of this year’s team. 
   “Margo is a great addition to the team,” Swim Team Captain Maddie Robinson said, “she’s really helped out our relay team and she really helps out with points.”
    “I started again because I remembered why I loved it in the first place,” Winn said. “The high school team is about the swimming and doing the best we possibly can.”

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