Athlete of the Week: Kyra Burns wins 1,500-meter freestyle race at CCA Sectionals

California Capital Aquatics hosted the CA-NV Sectionals last weekend and a plethora of Roseville, Rocklin and Loomis athletes swam at the event. Arguably, the most impressive was Kyra Burns, who competed in the finals in six different events, including a first-place finish in the 1,500-meter freestyle with a time of 18:23. Burns also placed third in the 800-meter freestyle at 9:27. Burns recently finished her junior season at Rocklin High where she made it to the State Championships in the 500-yard freestyle and competed in four events at the Sac-Joaquin Sectionals. Gold Country Media asked Burns some questions and her answers follow. What do you enjoy the most about swimming with California Capital Aquatics? Burns: "I enjoy the constant support I get from my coaches and teammates and the way the people around me drive me to be both a stronger athlete and a better individual." How long have you been swimming competitively and who is your biggest motivation? Burns: "I have been swimming competitively since I was 7 years old and my biggest motivation is my love for the sport and my desire to improve as much as possible." You won the 1500-meter freestyle race a week ago Thursday. What does it take to get your body prepared for such a long, grueling race and how exciting was it to come away with the win? Burns: "It takes a lot of long practices and mental preparation. In my opinion, the 1,500 is one of the most mentally-grueling races because you have so much time to think and focus on different parts of your stroke as you move through the race." You also swim for Rocklin High and recently finished your junior year where you made it to the state championships. What have you liked the most so far regarding your high school swim career and what are your biggest goals for your senior season? Burns: "My favorite part of high school swimming is the fun team-centered environment. Next season, I would like to go to State Championships again and place in the Top 10 in both my individual races at Sections." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Burns: "My favorite professional athlete is Katie Ledeky. I admire the way she has earned respect as a dominant woman in the sport." Do sports run in your family? If so, who has played and at what level/s? Burns: "Yes, my mother swam in college for two years." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Burns: "I participated in gymnastics and track when I was much younger." Do you have a favorite meet/race you've participated in or a favorite memory from your swimming career up to this point? Burns: "One of my favorite memories was the time I reached one of my first big long-term goals and qualified for the Western Zones Team when I was 13 years old. I remember being ecstatic and really just enjoying the satisfaction of all my hard work paying off." Do you have plans on swimming in college and if so, do you have any schools in mind? Burns: "Although I am prioritizing academics, I'd love to swim in college. One of my top picks right now would be a school like California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Burns: "I really enjoy a lot of songs by The Neighborhood." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Burns: "My favorite restaurant is Mikuni and my favorite food is sesame chicken." Outside of school and swimming, what do you like to do in your free time? Burns: "I love to read, draw, and spend time with my dog, Indy." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Burns: "I would really like to be an aerospace or biomedical engineer." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Burns: "I would say to always keep in mind why you love your sport and remember that your athletic achievements don't define your worth as a person."