Joanna Wu set a goal for herself before the season began to finish among the top eight in two events at the Class 4A state swim and dive meet.
This past Saturday at Federal Way’s King County Aquatic Center, the Kent-Meridian sophomore accomplished just that. Wu, one of the state’s fastest-rising swimmers, took fifth in the 100 back (58.74) and seventh in the 200-free (1:55.29).
Wu was the lone K-M swimmer at the meet. Her two times combined garnered 26 overall points, good for 25th in the team standings.
“My goal was to really be in the top eight,” Wu said. “After I got in the top eight, I really wanted to beat my best times. At that point, I didn’t care what place I got, I just wanted best times.”
Which helps explain why Wu was somewhat disappointed with her performance in the 200 free.
The K-M sophomore’s final time in the event (1:55.29) was a split second slower than what she delivered in the prelims (1:54.57). In addition, it was just a shade slower than sixth-place Colleen Sullivan of Gig Garbor, the only other underclassman in the race.
Skyline star Andie Taylor blew away the competition in the event, touching out in 1:48.09, more than three seconds better than second-place Fiona Majeau (1:46.55) of Garfield.
“I was kind of disappointed with my 200 free,” Wu lamented. “Not with my time, but how I swam.”
Wu’s determination is no surprise to K-M coach Tom Lewandowski.
Instead of sulking, Wu returned to the pool determined.
She proceeded to take fifth in the 100 back, one of the most loaded events at this year’s state meet. The heat included Ballard star Annemarie Thayer, Jackson’s Alana Pazevic along with Kentlake standouts Chelsea Bailey and Emily Tanasse. Wu showed she more than belongs among the elite, going from a 59.96 in the prelims to a 58.74 in the finale. Thayer won the event in 54.07. Wu’s final time was a personal best.
“When I touched the wall and looked at my time, that made up for the whole thing (in the 200 free),” Wu said.
Wu’s future remains bright, K-M coach Tom Lewandowski said.
“I do anticipate that by her senior year, if not her junior year, she will be a (state) champion,” the coach said. “She wants it all, so say the least. She’s on the verge of breaking out.”
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