Love at first dip for speedy Breck swimmer

Breck's Maddy Holker can barely remember a time when she wasn't a swimmer.

Her mother, also a swimmer, began to acclimate her to water when she was still in diapers.

According to Holker, it was love at first dip.

"I've always just loved water," she said. "I've never had any fear. I'm just very comfortable there. I've never been afraid."

Holker, a senior, won two individual events -- the 100-yard butterfly and the 200 individual medley -- and swam on the winning 400 freestyle relay team, helping the Mustangs to the team championship at the Class 1A, Section 2 meet Friday.

Staff writer Jim Paulsen spoke with Holker about her successful weekend and her thoughts on this weekend's state meet.

Q With such an extensive swimming background, what is your favorite memory?

Q What was your role?

A All of us captains pulled the team together. We talked about it coming down to one last meet together. I think the adversity we faced this year really helped us get a lot closer.

Q Personally, what were you most pleased with?

A Probably the 100 [butterfly]. Before last year, I took a break from doing the fly. Something wasn't clicking. I came back to it this year and it had a new excitement for me. By the end of the season, I had dropped two seconds in my time. I knew I had the feel for it again.

Q And your biggest surprise?

Q What is the most enjoyable part of swimming for you?

A There are two things I love. One, I love the competition. I love the drive to want to win and get your best times. Also, I love the tight bonds swimming helps you form with your teammates.

Q Is there anything about swimming that you don't like?

A Not really, but our team always jokes about the pool at our school. It's always freezing cold. We dread getting in it, but we do it together, so that makes it better. We laugh about it.

Q Will you continue to swim after the season is over?

Q The Class 1A state meet is coming up this week. I know you do a lot of swimming for your club team. How important is the high school meet to you?

A This is really important to me. It's my last one. I want to make it my best and give it my all. We've worked so hard for this.

Q What are your expectations?