Pursuing her sport for over eight years, senior swim captain Miki Matsumoto showcases her passion by putting her utmost effort into swimming.
When a YMCA opened near her house in elementary school, Matsumoto’s interest in swimming sparked. It became an important sport to her when she joined a club team, committing time and effort into practices.
Racing with her teammates and supporting them has become enjoyable during long practices, despite the challenges of waking up at four in the morning to a freezing pool and attending competitions that are both physically and mentally tiring. Even with the amount of fun Matsumoto has, swimming comes with its own challenges.
“Having a shoulder injury on and off for a couple of years had me thinking whether or not I liked the sport enough to continue with my injury,” Matsumoto said.
Despite such setbacks, Matsumoto soon fell in love with the sport. One of her most memorable moments includes her times with her team. Playing games inside the tents during the events is something she will cherish forever.
“I like how there are both individual and team events at competitions,” Matsumoto said. “Swimming has definitely taught me the importance of commitment and showing up for yourself.”
Matsumoto’s best swim meet was at a club competition in the fall of 2023. She competed in the 50 yard freestyle, emerging triumphant while also gaining a personal record.
The athlete attributes much of her athletic success to the support of others in her life. Her parents, for one, have watched her go through every hard practice, supporting her at each meet and keeping her in check of her goals.
“I also look up to Ikee Rikako, a Japanese swimmer because I thought it was amazing that she was able to overcome leukemia and come back to the pool,” Matsumoto said.
Her future goal includes finding a job that corresponds with business marketing, going back and forth between the US and Japan. Matsumoto hopes to put her bilingualism to use while working in both countries.
“Trying to juggle swimming and school is a bit of a struggle but when I have a great practice or race, it definitely overcomes all the hardships and difficulties,” Matsumoto said. “Having discipline is important to continue something even when there are downfalls. Sometimes I have bad practices and races but in knowing that it’s a process, I have to believe in myself.”
