North Lexington YMCA Tiger Shark Abby Hutchison has been swimming for a decade, so she's been swimming with many of the same swimmers since elementary school. These years have given them the time to create trust and forge bonds together, a critical part of Abby's experience as a swimmer. "It has given me a very safe and supportive environment at practice," she shares. "Swimming has taught me to push my boundaries in a safe and healthy way, and I surprise myself in many ways during practice!" What she's learning in practice she takes to swim meets, where she loves swimming mid and long-distance free. "I swam my first 500 at the Cardinal Classic my sophomore year, and I’ve loved the event since."
Outside of the pool, the senior at Lafayette High School stays busy as co-facilitator of the Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council and Vice President of Lafayette’s Science National Honors Society. "I have a deep passion for community service and working with my peers to service those in need," she explains. "I also tutor elementary to high school students in math and science, and I hope to continue working with students into the future." It is with that spirit of guiding and teaching that Abby shares her advice for swimmers who are just getting started: "Don’t get scared by big sets. Break it down line by line, and if you start to doubt yourself, just swim until you break that thought process! Being a part of the swim team has taught me to never give up, even when you don’t think you can do it."
Abby plans to major in chemistry at a four-year college after graduation, though she is still deciding which one she'll attend. In the meantime, she'll continue giving it her all for the Tiger Sharks and as part of the YMCA. "The Y brings together so many different members of our community, and I love coming to the Y and seeing people of various ages and ability. The Y serves amateurs just beginning their fitness journey as well as pros who have been working out for years. I am comforted that I won’t be judged when I enter the Y, and I know I’ll have resources and assistance if I need them."
Congratulations, Abby, on a wonderful swim career! Thank you for sharing part of your story with us and inspiring others with your perspective on swimming and positive attitude. We hope the final months of swim team are rewarding, successful, and most of all fun for you!
