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RHHS swimmer to compete in Mexican National Championships
Sebastian Rosales Olivas 1
Sebastian Rosales Olivas, a Richmond Hill High School sophomore, will complete in the Mexican Swimming National Championship. Photo provided.

A Richmond Hill High School sophomore, whose swim coaches say has the dedication to reach the highest levels, will compete in the “Mexican Swimming National Championship” Dec. 15-18 in Veracruz.

Sebastian Rosales Olivas, is the 15-year-old son of Jose Rosales and Cesilia Olivas. His favorite swim events are the 50 free, 100 fly and 100 free.

His high school swim coach, Nathan Lancaster, says Richmond Hill High School could not be more proud of Sebastian. 

"This sophomore has dedicated his young life to becoming one of the strongest swimmers and leaders on our team," Lancaster said. "Every day he gives everything he can to swimming and is a golden example of athletic commitment and mental toughness. I wish him the best in his swim next weekend."

Another one of his coaches, Bill Forester, of Georgia Coastal Aquatic Team (GCAT) added,  "Sebastian has a great time with his friends and teammates at the pool and away from the pool. One of the things that sets him apart from the normal athlete is his dedication to achieving his goals. He commits to certain process goals and follows through. This dedication and hard work has given him great success. In the future it will pay off even more because of his foundation of good training habits. I personally enjoy working with Sebastian because he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals."

We asked Sebastian to tell us about his swimming accomplishments and goals. Here are his answers.

What got you started in swimming?

Sebastian: My mom would take me with my sister to her swimming lessons and I would just get close to the water and I would get close to the pool. My mom then signed me up for swim lessons just so I would learn how to swim and I loved the water. I would usually just start swimming without the coach instructing me to. Fast forward a few years from that my mom put me and my sister in a club team and then I became the best in the state from that point on.

What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

Sebastian: My biggest accomplishments so far would be

* Mexican Nationals on 2017, finishing in 5th place on 50 free

* ISCA (TYR Junior National Cup) qualifying for the 100 fly

* AAAA times on 100 fly and the 50 free when I was 14

* Qualifying to Mexican Nationals to swim 200 fly, 100 fly, 100 free, 50 free, 100 back, 50 fly, and 50 back.

What are your goals in the sport?

Sebastian: My goals in the sport are to be able to swim for Mexico in the Olympics and to be able to swim in college and be able to become a coach later in life.

Why swimming? What is it about the sport that makes you put in the work (and how much work do you put in)?

Sebastian: I just loved the sport of swimming when I was younger and haven’t stopped ever since. I started and I fell in love with it so I just try my hardest every practice so I can become the best. While going to high school I usually go practice 24 hours per week (7-8 practices). Summer time, 26 hours a week (this includes morning and afternoon practices from Monday thru Saturday)

If you weren't a swimmer, what sport would you play?

Sebastian: I would probably be doing either track and field or soccer cause I really like those sports.


Sebastian Rosales Olivas 2
Sebastian Rosales Olivas stands next to a sign for the International Swim Coaches Association. Photo provided.
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