Trojan great going for Olympic gold

For those who may not know, the Junior Nationals is a nationwide swimming tournament where the best young athletes get to race and compete against opponents from across the country. They’re split up into teams from the West and East coast. The tournament is open to anyone as long as they’re under 18 and have qualifying times. CVHS senior Donavon Watts is one of those lucky athletes.

Watts participated in the 2015 Winter Speedo Junior Championships for swimming, which took place in Austin, Texas on Dec. 11 and 12. He swam for his team, the East Bay Aquatics Association, and competed in the men’s 100 Yard Breaststroke and 200 Yard Breaststroke events. His times were 58.62 seconds and 2 minutes, 6 seconds.

“It was a really cool experience. I got the chance to meet other swimmers and race against them,” Watts said.

Watts is on the Trojans’ swim team and has been swimming for six years. He first started swimming as a fun sport with his friends, and ended up loving it.

His passion for swimming is evident in the way he trains. Watts said he practiced a lot for preparation.

“I’d practice in the morning at 5 a.m. before school and sometimes twice a day. I swim about 25 hours a week,” Watts stated.

“Yeah, he works really hard,” said freshman Monica Gong, Watt’s teammate. “I find his athletic dedication admirable.”

It is hard work, but Watts’ passion for swimming is clear in the way he pushes himself to be the best he can be. His motivation for swimming is, “to try to make Olympic trial cuts.”

His dedication and hard work will pay off towards his goal of Olympic gold.