Splashing Through Life - The story of a swimmer.

By Abigail Medved

For most, going to the pool means games, sunbathing, and ice cream, but for Pueblo County High School swimmer Tate Lanham, the pool means long practices, beating records, tough competition, and love of the sport. Lanham is a sophomore at PCHS and she has been involved in competitive swimming for years.

“I first pursued this sport because my whole family has been really involved in swimming and has either swam or coached,” Lanham said. “I really learned to love swimming over time and made really great friendships.”

Having started competing in swimming at such a young age, Lanham fell in love with the sport and strives to make it a consistent part of her everyday life.
“I dedicate about 12-13 hours a week to swimming and dry land workouts,” Lanham says, “I try to go to practice six days a week and two to three of those days I do an hour of dry land.”

Though this training schedule is rigorous, it seems to work for Lanham as she has already qualified for the 3A State Championship Meet in the 200 IM, 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, and 100 Breaststroke. However, qualifying in these events this season is not the only accomplishment Lanham has made in her swimming career. “Some of my biggest accomplishments in swimming have been being able to qualify for out-of-state, national meets,” Lanham said. “I have been to Washington for senior western zones and came back for finals in three events. I also went to California during long course season for another senior western zones and I qualified for sectionals in the 100 Breaststroke there.”

Just like most athletes, Lanham has friends and family who support her in her swimming journey. She says that her mom and grandma have been a couple of her biggest supporters. “I have been swimming for about 10 years of my life and they have both contributed a lot for me to be where I am now in my swimming career,” Lanham says, “They have been driving me to practice and meets all these years and have supported me in any decision I make regarding 
swimming.”

But, accomplishments are not the only thing Lanham has faced. Mixed in with successes are also challenges, “My biggest obstacles,” Lanham shares, “have probably been being able to overcome mental challenges and being able to have a positive mindset at practices and meets, even on bad days. Also being able to push past the feeling of not wanting to go to practice and having to regroup when I don't get the time I was hoping for.” Despite occasional doubts and tough practices, Lanham has high expectations for her future in this sport. 

“My expectations for this sport is qualifying and competing at nationals when I'm a little older. I also want to swim at a D1 college, close to home. I would just all around love it if I could just keep swimming in the future because I am so passionate about it,” Lanham said. Lanham is currently one of the top swimmers on the Pueblo County Girls Swim and Dive team. She will compete in the League Championships as well as the 3A State Meet. 

Good Luck, Tate!

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