Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Sutton Odegard

Sutton Odegard has booked her ticket to a brand-new destination. The Riverview senior will compete at the FHSAA Class 3A girls weightlifting state championship Feb. 11, marking her first appearance at states. Her dual-medalist performance at the 3A-6 regional championship Jan. 29 secured her berth. In the 119-pound weight class, she claimed gold in Olympic style and silver in Traditional by lifting 275 and 290 pounds, respectively. Odegard is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week. 

What was your experience like becoming a regional champion and first-time state qualifier?

It was pretty eye-opening. This was the end goal I've been wanting. And now, with senior year being the last year, I just punched and gave it all I got. Took other people's numbers, did some math, figured out what I could and just enjoyed it, for the most part. But ended on a good note.

When and why did you start weightlifting?

I started freshman year actually in coach (Dave) Catalfino's class and he recommended it and said, "You'd be really good at it." I hadn't really thought much about it — I didn't even know we had a team until that year. (Senior) Estanie Bornelus, who's also going to states, and I were like, "Why don't we join together?" And we did and then ended up loving it right away.

Why have you stuck with this sport over the years?

I started lifting weights with my dad early on and now, being able to see it follow through in a different way, it just kind of blossomed. It became something I look forward to every day. 

How have you improved as a lifter compared to your junior season?

A lot, really. My clean and jerk, especially. I jumped about 40 pounds on that alone this year. But just really putting in the effort and seeing it come out in a good, accomplished way is something that I'm happy about.

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

"Everyone runs their own race." Just take your race as you want it. It doesn't always have to be linear — some days you have bad days. You've just got to keep following the path.

What's a fun fact about you that not a lot of people know?

I do track and pole vault. I'm team captain (for Riverview girls track and field). That's something I've done since sixth grade, and I've just continued loving that, too.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Olivia Reeves. She's just crazy when she gets on the platform and she's such a sweet person. It's astonishing to watch her lift. 

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

Switzerland. I love skiing, so that's something on my bucket list for any vacation.

What music do you listen to before a meet or during practice to get in the zone?

I listen to Bob Marley and reggae. It calms the nerves a bit.

Finish this sentence. Sutton Odegard is...

Awesome.