Sophomore Irune Payas Gomez-Arrue is an amazing La Jolla Highschool swimmer on varsity. She has been swimming for more than half her life and is pushing forward  and hopes to continue her swim career in the future. Continue reading for an exclusive interview!

Q: “When did you first start swimming, and what got you interested in the sport?”

IP: “I first started swimming to be able to do Junior Lifeguards when I was 10, and really enjoyed it, so I joined a swim team when I was 11.”

Q: “What has your experience been like being part of the varsity swim team?”

IP: “The team and all the coaches are great. It’s a lot of fun to be able to swim with my school friends.”

Q: “What is your favorite event to swim and why?”

IP: “I love the 50 breaststroke because it’s my favorite stroke and short enough that it doesn’t require any pacing; I can just go all out.”

Q: “What motivates you to keep pushing yourself during tough practices or meets?”

IP: “Knowing that I have goals and cuts I want to make is always very motivating. There’s always somewhere to improve. Having friends I’m going through it with also helps.”

Q: “What is one of your proudest moments or accomplishments in swimming so far?”

IP: “The summer before freshman year, I tore my ACL and I was told by the physical therapists that I wouldn’t be able to swim by the high school season. During a tough 6 months post-op, I was slowly allowed to swim more and more, and eventually it came time for time trials. I didn’t really know where I stood speed-wise, since it would be my first time sprinting. I ended up PRing a couple times that day and even though I’ve gone a lot faster since then that was definitely my happiest day.”

Q: “How do you balance swimming with school and other responsibilities?”

IP: “I make sacrifices in school, swimming, and my social life, but ultimately it comes down to choosing what’s best for me in the moment.”

Q: “What has being on this team taught you about teamwork or leadership?”

IP: “Swimming is known for being a solo sport, but being on many teams over the last years has shown me it’s anything but. Relays require lots of team coordination, and practices also need communication to know when everyone is going and what strokes they’re doing. Nothing requires more leadership than making myself and three other girls excited about swimming a spontaneous 400 relay at 7 PM on day three of a winter meet.”

Q: “What advice would you give to younger swimmers who hope to make varsity one day?”

IP: “Just keep swimming.”

Q: “Who has had the biggest impact on your swimming journey (coach, teammate, or family member), and how have they influenced you?”

IP: “I’d say my mom has been my biggest supporter by learning the whole sport with me and motivating me. My private coach has also had a huge impact, especially when I wasn’t yet allowed to swim on a team.”

Q: “What are your personal goals for the rest of this season or your future in swimming?”

IP: “I hope to keep swimming in college and continue to love the sport.”