By Derrick Smith

A character athlete is someone that is a good athlete but also a good person off the field. They are the ones that excel in the classroom and are there for others. Sylvia Admire know what it takes to be called a character athlete.

“It means that you try your best at anything you do, not just sports,” she said. “You are a strong person who does things you may not want to do at times, but you do them anyway. You support and help your family and friends in achieving their goals. You cheer for your teammates and push them to be their best.”

Admire is a freshman at Claremore High School, where she is a member of the swim team. While this is her first year to be a member of the team, she is no stranger to swimming.

“I have been swimming since I was a baby,” she said. “I joined a recreational swim team when I was seven years old. And I joined Trident Aquatics, a USA competitive team, when I was twelve years old, and I am currently swimming with them as well as with my high school team.”

She says that she is thankful to have a great group of role models that she looks up to.

“My parents and grandparents have always supported me,” she said. “No matter if it was school, swimming, or any hobby I have wanted to pursue. Also, my coaches have always pushed me to be my best in and out of the water. They are excellent coaches, and have helped me reach my goals in swimming whether it be qualifying for a big meet or improving my strokes in the pool.”

Claremore swimming coach, Sean Callan, says that he expects big things from Admire this year.

“She is a standout swimmer,” he said. “She trains with us at Trident and already has a National-level qualifying time. Barring anything strange, she should be a finalist at State in two individual events.”