Jessica Bottelberghe, a junior, already has a solid swimming career at Columbia River. She was the All-Region girls swimmer of the year last year, too, with two strong finishes at state.
But this fall, she became a champion.
And, about an hour later at the Class 3A state swim meet, she became a two-time champion.
Bottelberghe won the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly, and she is looking forward to winning again in 2010 and beyond high school.
How has your life changed since winning your state championship?
“I’m training harder, but nothing really different, though. The goals keep changing, so you just train harder. You don’t stop once you’ve won state. The bar’s just raised a little higher.”
What was it like to win that first state title, in the 200 individual medley?
“It was a sigh of relief.”
How did winning that race affect your next race, when you won the 100 butterfuly?
“It was a lot different. Behind the blocks, there is a ‘ready’ area. This time, all the other girls were nervous and anxious. I just felt more relaxed.”
What was the most memorable moment of the season?
“Has to be qualifying the relay team for state. I wasn’t going by myself. I got to take the team with me. We were ecstatic.”
Advice to other swimmers:
“Watch out for my little sister (Monica) next year.”
What is a goal, away from your sport, that you would like to accomplish?
“I want to stick with the IB (International Baccalaureate) program. Being a full-diploma candidate is very demanding.”
Most inspirational coaches:
Jody Braden and Jack Ridley of the Portland Aquatic Club. “They helped me become who I am today in my swimming career.”
What is a goal, in your sport, that you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
“To get some kind of college scholarship to a Division I school and make finals at a national championship (in club swimming with Portland Aquatic Club).”
Top seeds get to choose their music when the athletes parade to the starting blocks. Bottelberghe picked “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes for the 200 IM. And for the butterfly, “We will Rock You” by Queen:
“My teammate, Hannah Giuntini, came up with (“Seven Nation Army”). I had never heard it before the weekend. It sounded like a good song. My dad picked “We Will Rock You. That one was fun.”
Hobbies:
“I like to hang out with my friends. I like scary movies.”
Favorite movie:
“When I was a little kid it was Cinderella, but now I have no idea.”
Favorite book:
“I don’t know. Just definitely not my biology book. That thing weighs like 20 pounds.”
What will you remember most about the season?
Bottelberghe had two answers. She said the club meets might be larger in numbers, but the state high school meet is special. “It is one of the big meets emotionally. It might be a small meet, but there is nothing like high school state. I wouldn’t give it up.” She also appreciated what her teammates did for her. “My teammates voted me most dedicated.”
