ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Razan Waliagha

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.

Although Lakewood Ranch High School junior Razan Waliagha has only been diving for about three weeks, the 16-year-old already is making quite a splash. After placing 13th in her first meet Sept. 21, Waliagha took first place in a tri-meet against St. Stephens Episcopal and Manatee High schools Sept. 29. Here’s an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How did you get in to diving?
The announcements at school came on, and they said we were starting a diving team. They said if you have a dance or gymnastics background, you should try it. I tried to convince my friends to do it (and one did for two weeks). Now, it’s just me.

With only three weeks of training and competing, how many dives have you learned so far?
I’ve learned 10 — a couple of them were on accident. I tried to do a back dive pike, and I did a backward summersault. I learned two reverse dives on Monday and Tuesday — right before the dive meet (Sept. 29).

At this point, what would you say is your best dive?
Probably a front dive because it’s the easiest. Or maybe the back dive pike.

What is difficult about diving for you?
I have a problem of jumping out and not up. It’s scary when you dive and you see the end of the board. You think you’re going to hit it, but you’re not.

Other than diving, what sports or activities are you involved in?
I’ve been dancing since seventh grade. I’m thinking about doing track this year.

Who is your favorite musician or group?
My favorite would have to be this guy, Phil Wickham. He’s a Christian artist. He’s John Mayer-esque. It’s acoustic.

What’s your favorite subject in school?
Math. I really like it. I think it’s because it’s the only subject that I’m really that great at. It’s weird because (most people have a hard time with math). Even when I don’t get it, I like it.

What plans do you have post-graduation next year?
I want to go to Auburn (University). I love (the state of) Alabama, and I want to be a dentist, and (Auburn) has a good program. My brothers and sisters live in Alabama, and I really miss them, too.

What is your favorite food?
Spaghetti. I love spaghetti with a load of cheese on it. I love carbs. And I like salad, too.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To read minds. I just think it’d be neat.

When you aren’t dancing or diving, what else do you enjoy doing?
My friend and I play music together. I think I can play the piano, and we both learned the guitar.