East County Athlete of the Week: Freedom McDaniel

Freedom McDaniel spent his winter overpowering opponents on the wrestling mat. Now, he's using those muscles to out-lift them. At the FHSAA Class 2A-District 12 meet April 8, the Braden River High junior finished first in Olympic style for the 219-pound weight class by lifting 470 pounds. He also lifted 565 in Traditional — good for second — en route to the Pirates' sixth team title in seven years. Last month, he finished fourth at 215 pounds in the wrestling individual state championships. McDaniel is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What were your takeaways from the start of this postseason?

Districts was easier than I thought it would be, although I did end up taking second because I failed my third clean and jerk and then lost by weight because me and (Kaiden Wacaster of Sebring) tied. But going into the postseason, we (were) looking for top three at regionals so we could get into states.

How would you reflect on this past wrestling season?

It went better than I thought it was going to go, although I'm still a little bummed out I took fourth. The transition over to weightlifting, it was difficult — it was really hard — because I had to re-learn certain techniques, and everything was just funky.

How have you been working to improve as a lifter?

I've been going over a lot of form. Just bare bar, nothing above 100 pounds, trying to practice my form slowly and get the bar under control. Make sure I can control the weight.

What were your goals entering this season?

I'm not looking too high, because a lot of people are really strong. My only goal for this year is to make it to states. My goal for next year would be to place.

When and why did you start weightlifting?

I started weightlifting my freshman year, and it was because a couple of seniors on the football team had convinced me to join. I didn't think I was going to get past tryouts, but they had supposedly put in a good word for me.

Why have you stuck with this sport?

I love the team, the atmosphere and our coaches. That's really what keeps me here.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

I use this quote too much, and I forget who said it, but one of my coaches in little league football — when I was at 13U — said, "The only difference between a wish and a dream is you chasing it."

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I like roller-skating, but with all the sports, I haven't been able to go since the beginning of (last) summer. My skates are in the corner of my room collecting dust.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Bali. The island reminds me of Hawaii with some of the views, but it's not as tropical. It's more forest-y. It's like one of those abandoned islands you see in movies and TV shows.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

It would be some type of fruit, either cantaloupe or mango.

What music helps you get in the zone during a lift?

I'm usually talking to people, but if I am listening to music, it would either be Black Eyed Peas or OutKast.

Finish this sentence. Freedom McDaniel is...

Free-spirited.