Athlete of the Week | Benson Redfern | Swimming

For you, what was a highlight of your most recent competition? 

Competing alongside my teammates in two relays.  How long have you been into this sport, and what were the early days of your participation in this sport like? Can you tell a short little story from those days?

I have been swimming since I was 8 years old. One thing I will always remember is getting hit in the face with a croc everytime I did something wrong. 

What is the hardest thing about swimming? 

Getting into the pool. 

How did/do you cope with any setbacks/losses you’ve experienced in your sport?

By relying on the people around me, the encouragement of my teammates and the advice of my coaches.

How do you keep yourself in shape? Just lots and lots of swimming. 

What do you do to prepare yourself before a meet? 

Just before a meet I will ignore and forget everything that doesn’t have to do with swimming and solely focus on my goals for that meet.

 What makes your sport special and different?

The sucky, wet, hot, chlorine filled environment.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your sport?

Swimming has helped me build a healthy routine and forced me to learn to schedule my day so I can get everything done.

Who has been particularly influential in helping your growth in this sport?

My parents. They have supported me at every meet, and they have never let me quit.