This week's peak performer: Alanna Erickson, Fountain Valley

Getting to know Alanna Erickson, Fountain Valley swimming

How’s this for a gene pool? Alanna Erickson, a sophomore at Fountain Valley, is the daughter of a former national champion swimmer from Myanmar (formerly Burma) whose older sister, Chrissy, still holds two swimming records for the Danes.

Now, Alanna has a few marks of her own, having set Independent League records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles last weekend at the league meet at Colorado College. Now, it’s on to Denver and the Class 4A state meet this weekend in Denver.

“This is probably the best I’ve ever done, but I think I can still improve in both events,” Erickson said. “I’m really excited to compete with people who are faster than me, to see what I can do when I’m matched up against them.”

QUICK HITS

Being a native of Saudi Arabia, what misconceptions to some Americans have about your home?

People ask me if we live in a tent in the desert. I tell them that we have houses and roads. We have air conditioning, too, since it gets to be 120 degrees.

How do you prepare for each race?

I just visualize. I love the saying ‘We dedicate, therefore, we dominate.’ I was at a Junior Olympics meet one time, and one of the teams had that on the back of their shirts. I guess I kind of adopted that saying.

What else do you do besides swim?

I’m playing soccer for the team this spring. I really like to write stories in realistic fiction and I’m working on something. I play saxophone in our school’s wind ensemble, too.

Have you seen a good movie lately?

I saw “Dear John” this weekend. It was such a good movie.

Have you ever walked out on a movie?

No. But I probably should have left “Cirque du Freak” early.

Who are your role models?

My sister Chrissy. She’s the reason I wanted to come to Fountain Valley. I was determined to experience this for myself. She loved it, and I do, too. As far as swimmers, I love watching Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Best winter Olympic sports to watch?

Speedskating (), Snowboarding (x), Figure skating (), Ski jumping ()

Top jazz saxophonist?

Stan Getz (), John Coltrane (), Candy Dulfer (x), Charlie Parker ()

Favorite Dane?

Scooby Doo (x), Marmaduke (), Claire Danes (), Hans C. Andersen ()

Things to do on a snow day?

Play Monopoly (x), Sleep in (), Build snowman (), Read ()