Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Lucas Seng

First-place finishes were not few and far between for Lucas Seng at his latest meet. The rising sophomore at Suncoast Polytechnical High, competing for the Sarasota Tsunami in the boys' 13-14 age group, won five events at the Mark McCaw Summer Invitational, which was hosted by Gulf Coast Swim Team in Fort Myers from June 19-21. He earned gold in the 200-yard freestyle (2:07.08), 50-yard backstroke (31.67), 100-yard backstroke (1:05.73), 100-yard breaststroke (1:18.00) and 200-yard individual medley (2:19.55) while the Tsunami placed fourth as a team. Seng is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What did you think of your performance at the Mark McCaw Invitational?

I was pretty surprised, actually. I did not go into that meet expecting to do too well. I was expecting just to go in and have a little bit of fun and not go after it too much.

When and why did you start swimming?

It was eight years ago when I started competitively swimming, but a little before then, I joined the stroke school (offered by Sarasota Tsunami). I was just going around trying out sports and I stayed here.

Which events do you specialize in and why?

Mainly, I'm a 500-, 1,000- and 200-yard individual medley (swimmer). Also, the 400-yard individual medley. I found that I can't expend all my energy in just a 50- or 100(-yard race). I can hold it and keep going.

After all these years, what's driven you to stick with this sport?

I almost quit three years ago, because I did not have any motivation. But then (Tsunami) coach Lisa (Repassy) motivated me and I've been on the rise. I've made a lot of friends and just kept improving.

Which quote or piece of advice have you always remembered?

You've just got to stick with the sport. You're going to have some tough practices, but don't let them make you quit. You'll eventually come out of it if you just keep working.

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

I'm actually part of a boy scout troop. (I've been in boy scouts) since first grade.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

I like Michael Phelps. He posts a lot of inspirational quotes and stuff, which I see more than a lot of athletes. He posts motivational quotes almost every day — more than one. It helps (me) to keep pushing.

Do you have any fun summer plans?

In a few weeks, I'm going up to Minnesota with the boy scout troop to go canoeing for two weeks on the border waters of Canada.

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

Anywhere with mountains and cool weather to get away from the Florida heat.

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

Probably my mom's (Sara Seng's) homemade carbonara. It's a lot of pasta and carbs.

What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a meet?

I listen to quite a bit of Metallica and Iron Maiden.

Finish this sentence. Lucas Seng is...

Curious. I always find my way into things.