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RYE, N.Y. -- Following her preliminary heat in the 100-yard butterfly Tuesday, Katie Duncalf of the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis team began preparing herself for the final. Duncalf, 16, and a junior-to-be at Horace Greeley in September, hydrated herself by drinking water and eating carbs and protein. Duncalf did this because she wanted to avoid weariness in the last 50 yards of the race.
The pre-final reinvigoration of her body made the difference for Duncalf who went on to win the event at the 86th annual Westchester County Swimming Championships at Playland Pool. Swimming resumes Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. and will conclude Thursday.
Teammate Kasia Malendowicz won the 12-and-under girls butterfly in a time of 27.26 seconds. Duncalf, seeded first going into the final, came in with a time of 102.08, nearly two seconds faster than her heat time of 1:04.25.
I sometimes get tired in the second half of this race so I wanted to go out strong in the first 50, but not too strong, Duncalf said. I wanted to keep up with Elle (Anastasiou).
Duncalf took the lead immediately and when she made her turn, she could not help but look to see where Anastasiou was. Anastasiou would challenge Duncalf in the final 50, but she responded. I saw her behind me and halfway through the final lap I knew I had to finish strong, Duncalf said.
Immediately following the race, Duncalf and Anastasiou, who attends Westlake High School, embraced and broke into conversation. I was happy that I was racing with my best friend, said Duncalf of Anastasiou. We push each other so as long as we got first and second it was good.
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