Athlete Spotlight: James Wood boys' swimmer Michael Thompson

James Wood High School 15-year-old sophomore

Sport: Boys’ swimming. Events: 200 and 500 freestyle.

Parents: Faye and Dean Thompson

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about swimming?: Unlike other sports, swimming is a sport that has both individual and team traits. You get to race and try to beat your times and better yourself. And, there’s your team, which is like a second family working with, cheering for and bringing out the best in you as well. I feel like it brings out a part that not many sports have.

Most memorable moment in swimming: Last year, our team was much larger and we had 12 senior boys. I grew very close with them and we ended up winning districts. All of them gave me the best experience in high school swimming I could ask for and winning district meant a whole lot to me.

Most embarrassing moment in swimming: Early on as a young swimmer I would zone out a lot, focusing on my upcoming events. One time I was right behind the blocks and I zoned out only to zone back in the moment my event dove in. I had to walk back and explain everything to my coach on how I missed my event standing right behind the block.

Most difficult moment in swimming: It was when I had to come back from an illness that kept me out of the water. I was hospitalized for a while. I had to fully rebuild my strength, speed and technique. I fell far behind my friends and it took awhile to reach the times I had before.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Both of my grandparents on my dad’s side. They passed away when I was a baby, so I never really got to meet them. It would be nice to have the opportunity to talk to them about their lives; Ryan Reynolds, he’s pretty cool. I like him as an actor and think he’d create an interesting and fun conversation.

Who is your biggest athletic influence?: My twin sister Lauren. She competes in two sports and continues to work hard every day in everything that she does. She’s been my competition since I was young. I wouldn’t be nearly as competitive or hard working without her.

Favorite teacher: My fourth-grade teacher Mr. [Ryan] Mindyas [at Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School]. He was very positive and supportive of me and my classmates. He was always so funny in his classes at that time and it made me want to learn more every day. He still follows and posts stuff about me. He’s a very kind person.

Favorite athlete: Joe Burrow

Favorite sports team: Cincinnati Bengals

Favorite movie: “Pacific Rim”

Favorite TV show: The Marvel Series, “Loki”

Favorite song: “When I Ruled The World” by Coldplay

Favorite food: Any kind of pasta dish.

Worst thing you’ve eaten: I don’t like pickles. I think they taste awful.

Plans after high school: I do want to attend a four-year college. I’m not really sure what I want to do, but I’m thinking something more business- or computer-related. My brother Andrew is going into business and he kind of leaned me towards that. And computer-related [things] is kind of where the world is going right now.

— Compiled by Walt Moody