MAKING A
SPLASH by Nathan Mo
Taking a dive into the routines that make Michael Zhang a top swimmer
M
ind racing and stomach churning, Michael Zhang readies himself for the 100 meter breaststroke. Suddenly, the horn goes off, and eight swimmers jump into the pool. Immediately, Zhang takes an early lead, setting himself apart from the pack. He maintains his lead over the course of the race, arms and legs moving perfectly in unison like a well-oiled machine. Finally, Zhang emerges victorious, finishing a full second
before any of his competitors.
Ranked 24th in the state of Virginia amongst the class of 2022, Zhang has not lost a race in over three years and has broken more than 10 records across multiple strokes. “I broke seven or eight records in freestyle, breaststroke, fly, and IM (Individual Medley) on my summer league. Then, I broke even more records in the league in 50 meter breaststroke.” Zhang said.
RISE TO THE TOP
Zhang’s love for swimming began at the age of six, when his parents enrolled him in a swimming class with his local swim team, the Burke Centre Penguins, so he could learn how to swim. However, after discovering his potential through participating in meets, he began taking swimming more seriously. “I participated in some meets, and through the meets I realized that I was pretty fast,” Zhang said.
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