It is a good feeling to attend an athletic competition knowing everyone is looking at your team as the biggest competition. For Audrey Gable, a senior at Altus High School, this is the best part of representing her school as a member of the swim team.
“It is that feeling when you walk into a swim meet and everyone knows that you are the team to beat,” she says. “I am passionate about swim because it makes me feel good mentally and physically.”
This mental and physical toughness learned through competitive swimming was put to the test when Audrey sustained a serious concussion last year. She did not let this set-back stop her from achieving her goals. “My greatest accomplishment was making it to state after being out with a pretty severe injury,” she said.
The athlete she looks up to is surfer, Bethany Hamilton, who returned to professional surfing after surviving a shark attack where she lost her arm. “She shows athletes that they can overcome the struggles that they face,” says Audrey.
As a child Audrey loved to be in the water. Her parents signed her up for swim lessons when she was young and she justkept swimming. She has built strong bonds with her high school swim team. “Your teammates become like family, and they will always have your back,” she said.
Bray Davis is the teammate who leaves the biggest impression on Audrey. Bray always motivates the team with an encouraging pep talk, says Audrey. Her favorite teacher is her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Moore. “She was my favorite because she was very hands-on and she truly loved each of her students,” said Audrey.
Audrey is inspired by her parents. “My mom inspires me with her love for the Lord and how she always puts the wants and needs of others before her own. My dad inspires me to always be awesome and that it’s important to have fun,” she says.
The best advice she has is to always trust in the Lord. “I would like to thank God because I wouldn’t be where I am at today without him. I would like to thank my family for their continuous support and unending love. I would also like to thank my coaches who pushed me to be the best in and out of the water,” she said.
When not dominating in the pool, Audrey looks forward to eating her favorite meal of steak with mashed potatoes anddreaming about traveling to Australia with her family.
