Off the Deep End: A Profile of Albert Gwo Karna Chelluri
“Karna, I need you to teach me how to play the guitar, so I can serenade girls.” hese were the exact words said to me by my longtime best friend Albert Gwo, who, despite being a four-time All-American swimmer, is still normal enough to ask his “elite” friend for help regarding his awkwardness around girls. His asking
me for help in that category at all really surprised me because attention for being a high-profile athlete is not something he lacks. One doesn’t usually win Varsity MVP three years in a row, get first place in the Central Coast Section, and win a double state title without turning a few heads. He proceeded to slide my black office chair over to the corner of my room and pick up my acoustic guitar. He struck a few awkward chords and then glanced at me, hoping for reinforcement. It was almost comical, he was actu-
ally proud of himself. You’re
the athlete, I’m the musician. I thought to myself. Let’s keep it that way. Albert Gwo is the epitome of a successful student-athlete. The Los Altos High School senior has maintained excellent grades, fitness, and health while following his dreams of being an Olympic swimmer. He recently committed to swim for the University of California at Berkeley (Cal) and occasionally trains at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Although Albert is an amazing