Cypress Creek High School sophomore Hayden Miller has
qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials for the 800-yard freestyle race with
a time of 8:44. The 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials are scheduled for June 21-28
at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb.
By Evan Harris, Cypress Creek HS
Every year, thousands of swimmers
across America put in tireless hours in hopes for the opportunity to compete in
the Olympics. One of those thousands of swimmers, Cypress Creek High School
sophomore Hayden Miller, has qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic
Trials and could compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. The
highly competitive event includes racers from all over America with impressive
times in their respective strokes, all competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic
Team.
“It’s really exciting getting to know that you are going
to be able to race alongside past Olympians,” Miller said. “I know this is an
experience I will never forget and I’m very excited.”
Miller started swimming at age 5 when her neighbor joined
a summer swim league. After finding a passion for swimming, she decided to
continue competing in the pool by joining a year-round league in middle school.
Miller won the 500-yard freestyle 2019 state title with a time of 4:50.13.
Miller qualified for the 800-yard freestyle race with a
time of 8:44. To prepare for the trials, Miller practices every Tuesday and
Thursday morning from 5-6:30 a.m. and every day after school from 3:40-6 p.m.
Miller also has practice twice a day on Saturdays.
“I practice at least 20 hours a week,” Miller said. “I
try to get all my homework done either at school or after practice.”
The 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials are scheduled for June
21-28 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb.
