DATE: Sunday, June 26, 2005
EDITION: ALL
SECTION: SPORTS
PAGE: C2
Age: 17
High school: Graduated from Grimsley in May
College: Will attend the U.S. Naval Academy
Events: 50, 100 and 200 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke
Teams: Friendly (Greensboro Community Swim Association), Grimsley High School, STAR Aquatics
Final meet: Swam his last meet Tuesday night for Friendly before heading off to Annapolis, Md. In his farewell meet, he won the 50- and 100-meter freestyle and the 50-meter breastroke.
 

THE INTERVIEW:  NATHAN DURHAM
SWIMMER

 

   Q: What about the Naval Academy attracted you?

   A: The people at the Naval Academy did. They are extremely motivated, hard-working and energetic. They have goals and purpose in their lives that many other college students are still developing. Also, you get the fulfillment from packing more into one day than many people get done in a week.

    Q: Why did you choose swimming and how long have you been a swimmer?

     A: I've been swimming competitively for 13 years. My parents got me started swimming to drown-proof me when I was little. Since then, I have come to love swimming for its competitiveness, camaraderie and all-around exercise.

    Q: Talk about some of your swimming awards. Which one means the most to you and why?

    A: I am a two-time Golden Swimmer (three-event winner in the city) in summer league, won best all-around male swimmer four times and the Ginny Murphy award for sportsmanship. In high school, I was a two-time swimming MVP, won the Coach's award, 4-A Conference MVP and a four-year state swimmer.

   The most meaningful award was the Bird Watchers award when I was 7 years old. I used to always look up at the sky every time I breathed so the coaches gave me eyeglasses with the attached nose and moustache.

    Q: Talk about your last swim lap. How did that make you feel?

    A: I was swimming my race, and it was amazing beating our big rivals, the Green Valley Gators, in my final meet!

    Q: How does your family feel about your leaving to go to the Naval Academy?

    A: My family has always supported me in everything I've done from swimming to school, and I have no doubt they will support me in every way possible at the Academy.

    Q: Are you nervous about it?

    A: I am excited as well as apprehensive, but I think a little fear is healthy and makes life that much sweeter when you do succeed.

    Q: What are some of your goals and desires in life?

    A: I want to make a positive difference in the lives of those I love and make the most of every day as if it were my last. I also want to try and see the good aspects of even the worst situations. I will uphold my family's honor as well as my reputation which is to never, never, never give up.

    Q: When did you decide that the Naval Academy was for you?

    A: It was a gradual process over the past year. I didn't decide until the end of April when I finally felt fully committed and comfortable with taking the military path.

    Q: Have you ever thought of yourself as perhaps making the Olympics as a swimmer?

    A: What kid doesn't dream of the Olympics? I never considered it a realistic goal, but if you love what you do like I love swimming, any race might as well be the Olympics.

    - Chris Wallace