East County Athlete of the Week: Daniel Snitkovsky

July was a whirlwind for Daniel Snitkovsky. Before embarking on his senior year at Lakewood Ranch High, he competed in the Maccabiah Games in Israel from June 30 to July 13 and the USA Swimming Futures Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee, from July 29 to Aug. 1. In the former event — the "Jewish Olympics" — Snitkovsky won silver in the 200-meter breaststroke, 100-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle relay, 400-meter medley relay and 200-meter mixed freestyle. At the Futures, he competed for Sarasota Tsunami, placing first in the 400-meter freestyle relay (51.72 split) and third in the 200-meter freestyle relay (23.19 anchor). Snitkovsky is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What did you think of your performance at the Futures championships?

We only swam (at the Maccabiah Games) for a week — we competed in the first week, and then after that, they took us around everywhere. So for two weeks, we didn't really get any training. I was a little out of shape. I was honestly nervous (going) to Futures, but our goal was to win that (400-meter freestyle relay). We were talking about that earlier. I knew I had it in me to go fast.

What did you enjoy about the Maccabiah Games?

It was honestly a lot of fun. I met a lot of people everywhere. It was just cool competing in a different country (with a) different culture (against) different people. I speak Russian, and there were a lot of Russian-speaking swimmers there, so I made a bunch of friends with them. It was cool chatting it up with all of them.

In what ways have you improved as a swimmer since last summer?

With the performance I had — especially, being out of shape — I have a lot of confidence. I'm excited for this upcoming high school season, because I can do better than last season.

What goals do you have for your senior season?

I'm really excited for the (100-yard breaststroke) at (the FHSAA Class 4A state championship). I hope it goes well, and I want to see how high up I can get at states. Last year, I was seventh, so hopefully top three (this year).

When and why did you start swimming?

I'm originally from Illinois, and four years ago, I moved here from the Chicago area. When I was 6 years old, we moved to a new house and the new house had a pool. My mom's (Masha Snitkovsky's) friend goes, "Why don't you sign up for a swim team?" It took me a couple years to get pretty good at it, but it got to a point where my parents would have to force me to skip practice. I started loving it so much that I was always swimming.

Why have you stuck with this sport over the years?

I love setting goals, setting times and working to get them. I just love that feeling of swimming fast. On my team (the Tsunami), I have a lot of friends, and they're like a second family to me. 

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

My dad (Jack Snitkovsky) always says he wants (me) and (my kids) to be better than he was. So I have to work my way up to be better than my dad is.

Who's your favorite professional athlete and why?

Swimming-wise, I would say Caeleb Dressel. He's from Florida, and he's just so fun to watch. He's explosive.

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

We honestly travel a lot, my family. We've been all over Europe. Italy has been my favorite by far. I would always be willing to go back to Italy. It's just so beautiful, and the pizza and pasta are just amazing.

Finish this sentence. Daniel Snitkovsky is...

Competitive and driven.