Laramie’s Olivia McPherson Perseveres for a State Title [VIDEO]

A Laramie High School freshman can lay claim to the title of ‘fastest girls’ high school swimmer in the state of Wyoming.’

Freshman Olivia McPherson won an individual state championship in the 50 freestyle at last week’s 4A State Swimming and Diving Championships in Gillette. Her time of 23.53 seconds broke a school record. She accomplished it while fighting through some illness.

KOWB caught up with McPherson to discuss her state title. She admits it’s a good feeling; takes us through the race; describes the battle against Cheyenne Central’s Sammy Geyer and more.

Laramie High School head coach Tom Hudson calls Olivia McPherson a freshman sensation.

“We didn’t even know if she was going to swim (in the prelims after being sick). She came out still as the top seed in the 50, third seed in the 100. Then came back the next day and beat a heavily favored Sammy Geyer, who’s a fantastic swimmer; all-around swimmer; and beat her by a little over a-tenth in the 50 and was a state champ as a freshman. Just an incredible accomplishment for Olivia.”

McPherson came in third place in the 100 freestyle and was also part of schools records in the 200 free and 400 free relays that finished second and third, respectively.

The future is bright for Olivia with three more years left in her high school career.