Laney Herdler Stars in Long-Distance Swimming for Leps

La Grange senior swimming star Laney Herdler continued her streak of dominance in the 500 freestyle — the grueling event that spans the length of five football fields. Breaking her own record for the 5th time this season at the El Campo meet, Laney shaved an incredible 4.13 seconds off her previous best, setting the new school record at 7:09.06.

“Laney is one of those swimmers that you dream of,” said La Grange swimming coach Gretchen Ledwik. “She does whatever you ask of her. It took us a while to figure out what stroke and distance she was really good at. She only started swimming the 500 two years ago. It’s a long race. I can never talk other swimmers into doing it ... One day we asked her and she hasn’t stop since.”

We’re proud to honor Laney Herdler as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.

Here’s our interview with her (Laney’s swimming teammate Adysen Janacek was kind enough to fill in as the interviewer):

When did you start swimming competitively?

“When I was eight years old and my mom told me to get in the pool and swim.”

Were you good right away?

“No.”

The 500 freestyle is such a long race. What do you think about while you are swimming for seven minutes straight?

“I dive into the pool and go straight into swimming mode and when I get out I don’t remember anything I think about while I was swimming.”

What’s the farthest you’ve ever swam without stopping?

“500 (meters)”

What do you eat or drink in the hours leading up to a

race to fuel up?

“Usually water”

Do you have another other pre-race rituals or superstitions?

“My teammates helping

me with my race (counting laps) and hyping me up.”

The school doesn’t have a pool. Talk about how you practice.

“We practice in Brenham which is 45 minutes away. We are usually in a bus more than we are in the pool. We usually practice an hour and a half.”

What else are you involved in high school or in the community?

“I’m just committed to swimming.”

This will come out the first week of January. Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?

“To break the school record again.’

What are your plans for after high school?

“To go to college and get a degree to be a veterinarian.”