Senior Siloam Springs swimmer Alex Holyfield has been one of the top freestyle swimmers in the state for past two years. Last year he finished second at states in both the 50 and 100 freestyle. This year he is looking to take it one step further and claim two state crowns.
"In order to win state this year I’m going to go to practice more often," said Alex Holyfield. "I'm going to make sure I work on my technique and be sure not to slack off. When I’m at practice I need to be there to get better and perform."
On top of his goals of winning state crowns Holyfield is also looking to qualify for the Junior National meet.
"I hope to get a Junior National time in the 100 freestyle," said Holyfield. "I have it in the 50 and I hope to get it in the 100. If I get both of those times I get to go to Florida for the National meet in March."
Holyfield has been swimming since he was five years old and coach Stephanie Goddard has been his coach nearly every step of the way. Holyfield has a very laid back personality but that doesn't mean he takes swimming lightly.
"I think he puts inner pressure upon himself but he doesn’t show it," said Coach Stephanie Goddard. "He has always been that way. You can ask him to do whatever and he will always step up and do it. He has grown up to become an incredible person and an incredible swimmer. He works hard and is just a good kid."
Holyfield won both the 50 and 100 meter freestyle events last week at the District Meet. While Alex has the ability to swim at the college level he has decided he will not swim collegiality. Instead he will focus on school and his dream of becoming a landscape architect.