Yao is a senior and in his fourth year on the varsity for the Mayo boys swimming and diving team. The Spartans kicked off their season this past weekend, one that started more than a month late due to COVID-19.
“It’s really nice just to be able to see everyone,” Yao said of starting the season. “Especially over quarantine, we can’t stay in touch with people. It’s still kind of challenging right now because some teammates we don’t interact with every day because of social distancing, but it’s nice to see familiar faces.”
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Yao is one of two Mayo team captains, senior Ignacio Michelena the other.
“He’s definitely the guy with the biggest smile on the team,” Mayo coach Ted Dow said of Yao. “Is it because he’s happy all the time or is he up to something? You never know, which is keeping me on my toes.”
Yao is hoping the Spartans can be a close-knit team this season, and he realizes with social distancing that could be a problem. The team has often had team-bonding festivities in past years, but those may be limited this season.
“Ultimately, we’re one big team, so we should all be able to get along with each other,” Yao said. “Me and the other captain, we’re trying to plan … something like game night or hanging out virtually online with the team to hopefully build those connections.”
Dow says having some light moments at practice or at meets can be a good way to keep the team loose and engaged.
“He wants to keep things light and lively rather than being serious all the time,” Dow said. “He’s good for a joke or two or a hi-jinx or two.”
Yao also enjoys electric skateboarding, photography and playing the piano. But he’s pretty good in the pool, too. Last season as a junior, he earned four state berths, two in individual events and two in relays.
He placed 14th at the Class AA state meet in the 50 freestyle, was part of the 200 freestyle relay that finished 15th and the 200 medley relay that was 24th. Yao also landed a spot in the 100 backstroke consolation finals, but he was unable to swim in the event because he was ill.
“He’s good at the sprint freestyles and the backstroke,” Dow said. “I’d put him up against just about anybody in the conference and section to win an event.”
Yao is about 6-feet-2, which he believes helps him in the pool.
“I’m taller and lankier than a lot of guys on my team, and I don’t think I’m that heavy, either, so I can pull more (through the water),” Yao said.
He was close to setting the school record in the 50 freestyle a year ago. This year he's shooting for the school mark and to go under 21 seconds in the process. He would also like to go under 50 seconds in the 100 backstroke.
“It’s all just about raw strength and power, not really about technique when it comes to the 50,” Yao said. “You just put in everything you got and go for it.”
There is no guarantee that a state meet will be held after the conclusion of the regular season due to the pandemic. If there is one, Yao said he has a “chance to redeem myself” after not getting to swim in the 100 backstroke consolation finals last year.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully there being a section or possibly even a state meet,” he said. “I’m happy with almost anything we can get right now because we’re lucky enough to even have a season and be able to see all of our teammates.”
The swimmers will have to adjust to virtual meets, with the two teams swimming in their own pool and then times being relayed to determine the winner.
“Looking at this season, a big focus for me is just hoping that everyone has a good time because I see a lot of new faces, and it’s hard to really make friends because we’re not allowed to really get that close with one another,” Yao said.
Yao hopes swimming in college is part of his future. The senior is just 16 after once skipping a grade. He is an excellent student and is taking a look at Ivy League colleges Penn and Columbia.
“I’m still seeing where I get into,” he said.
The Link LonkJanuary 19, 2021 at 05:04PM
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Yao swims fast but still 'good for a joke or two' out of the pool - PostBulletin.com
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