by By Dan Ninham
Abi Winnicki, 14, is a Forest County Potawatomi tribal member. Her parents are Ken and Marna Winnicki.
“I am a year-round club swimmer who also participated in swimming, gymnastics, basketball and track for James Williams Middle School in Rhineland, WI,” said Abi. “I have been very fortunate to have competed in many levels during my seven years of swimming. I have swam at National Age Group, Zones, Open Water State and have placed multiple times over the years at the Club State level. My best finish was 2nd in the 200 Freestyle in the 11-12 age group.”
“I am really self-motivated to do my best as an student and as an athlete,” said Abi. “I work hard and push myself to excel.”
“I began swimming after watching my older sister Makenna for a year,” said Abi. “My Club coach is Megan Cihla and she pushes and works me harder than I want to at times and believes in me when I sometimes question myself.”
“My mother Marna Winnicki has been my middle school swim coach and will be one of my high school swim coaches.”
“Abi continued to do swim club after her middle school season was over,” said mother Marna. “Once pools opened back up she has been swimming at the high school and the YMCA. She has done strength training and running on her own. She has done all this so she can enter her first high school season in shape and ready to build upon that.”
“She has had great success as a Rhinelander Swim Club member, podiuming many times in multiple events over the last four years and making zone cuts. I am sure that work ethic and mental toughness will be huge in helping her be a contributing member to the Rhinelander Hodag varsity team from day one,” added Marna.
“Abi has her eye on breaking some team records and qualifying for state individually and as part of relays each year of high school,” said Marna. “As a parent and a coach, I think her goals are achievable and I will be there to support and push her as much as needed.”
“Right now it is difficult to train, because all of the pools are closed,” said Abi. “I have been jogging, biking, and following a workout plan.”
“I need to improve my mindset when I am training for swim,” said Abi. “I expect to excel and when I don’t meet my expectations I need to learn how to turn that into something positive.”
“When I have been at large meets, I just zone out and think about nothing but swimming my hardest for that particular race,” said Abi.
“Swimming has taught me many life lessons,” said Abi. “I have worked hard and had many accomplishments. I have competed against, and with, and formed some great friendships with girls from all around the state.”
“I began to swim because of my older sister, Makenna, and look forward to competing with her at the high school level this coming school year,” said Abi.
Photo Credit: Bob Manhardt/Northwoods River News
