The Interview
NC Athletics: What is your biggest accomplishment in swimming?
Connor: Getting 6 Sectional times at a swim meet in Dallas.
NC Athletics: What inspired you to become a swimmer?
Connor: My sister started swimming before me and I was bored of waiting for her practices to be done, that’s how I started.
NC Athletics: How do you mentally prepare for a big competition?
Connor: Listen to music and get good sleep.
Can you share a challenging moment in your swimming career and how you overcame it?
Connor: Before last year I hardly ever swam backstroke, but I worked on it more than ever and I dropped 5 seconds on the year and ended up winning state in 100 back.
NC Athletics: What advice would you give to aspiring swimmers?
Connor: If it doesn’t hurt then you’re not doing it right.
Connor Leader is an outstanding multi sport athlete here at Newcastle and we are honored to have him competing not only at swimming but in baseball as well. Connor is now a 3 time state qualifier in swimming and also competed in state for baseball last season.
Connor has an impressive resume’. His Freshman year he was awarded State Runner up in the 200IM and 3rd place in the 100 Breaststroke. His Sophomore year he was awarded State Runner up in the 100 Butterfly and State Champion in the 100 Backstroke.
This year in the 2025 State Championship Connor will competing in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke. Friday, February 21, 2025 he will swim in the prelims held at Jenks High School. Saturday, February 22, 2025 Connor will go for the GOLD!
