James Wood High School 17-year-old junior
Sport: Swimming. Main events: 200 individual medley and 50 freestyle
Parents: Beth and Chad Harrington
Hometown: Cross Junction
What do you love about swimming?: I love the environment and all my friends, and how it keeps me fit.
Most memorable moment in swimming: Watching my teammate Joe [Warnagiris] from last year win two state titles and break the [Class 4] state record [in the 100 breaststroke]. Just to know someone from my swim team, my area, could do that, was inspiring.
Most embarrassing moment in swimming: About four years ago, I bought a brand-new tech suit, and while I was putting it on, it ripped right down the middle. I was at a championship meet for WST [Winchester Swim Team]. I had to go buy a backup suit. My friends made some jokes.
Most difficult moment in swimming: Anytime I have to swim the 200 fly or the 400 IM [for club swimming]. They’re long events, and they both have butterfly in them, so that makes them difficult.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Michael Phelps; he’s a big inspiration for swimming. My dad; he’s my biggest inspiration and my biggest challenger. And [former New England Patriots tight end] Rob Gronkowski; I think he’d be really entertaining to talk to.
Biggest athletic influence: Michael Phelps. I admire his work ethic. He would just wake up and train.
Favorite teacher: Seneca Sowers, my Algebra II teacher last year. She made math fun. She made a hard class manageable.
Favorite athlete: Tiger Woods
Favorite team: New England Patriots
Favorite movie: “Cars”
Favorite TV show: “Suits”
Favorite food: Pasta. I like my mom’s carbonara.
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Pickles
Plans after high school: I hope to go to a four-year college, most likely UVA, then travel the world. I’ll probably study something with finance. I’ve been taking a ton of business classes recently, and I’ve really enjoyed all of those. And I’m decent with numbers.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki