ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sydney Cusick

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

Eight-year-old Sydney Cusick captured three first-place finishes, including first place overall in the 50-meter freestyle during the Sharks Open Meet June 26-27. The Willis Elementary third-grader competed in six events for the Lakewood Ranch YMCA WaveRunners, finishing first in her heat in both the 50 fly and the 50 free. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What is your favorite event?
The 50 freestyle. I like to use my arms, and I don’t have to do flip turns.

How did you get into swimming?
My mom was a swimmer when she was little.

What’s the best part about being on the WaveRunners swim team?
It’s kind of cool getting first place and getting lots of points for the team.

What do you like most about swimming?
I get to have lots of friends on my team.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a 5-and-one-half-year-old sister named Samantha.

What’s your favorite TV show?
“iCarly.” It’s really funny.

What’s your favorite dessert?
Brownies

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A zookeeper. I (would) get to work with animals.

If you could go anywhere on vacation this summer, where would it be and why?
Hawaii. I’ve never been there.

Do you have any pets?
I have three cats, two hermit crabs, two hamsters and a bird.

What’s your favorite amusement park?
Busch Gardens. It has my favorite show — KaTonga.

What’s your favorite animal?
An armadillo.