![Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_0042-1200x800.jpg)
Ayan Chethan, a freshman athlete at Rock Ridge, has already made a major impact on the swim team. He brought his previous swimming skills to the varsity team, which allowed him to excel during the season, breaking the 500 freestyle record and making it to states as just a freshman. In this Q&A, he opens up about his swim experiences and how he got into swimming.
Q: How does it feel to swim at the same school where your brother had so much success?
A: It feels good to swim at Rock Ridge, having a background with my brother. I’ve enjoyed it so far.
Q: What inspired you to swim, and how long have you been doing it?
A: I started [swimming] at a really young age when I started competing. I thought it was fun; I wasn’t inspired by my brother, [but] we just got into the sport at the same time.
Q: What did you do in the offseason to prepare for the season?
A: I swim club, so there isn’t much of an off-season, but during August, I just make sure I stay in shape with good habits.
Q: What records did you break, and what were your times?
A: I broke the 500 freestyle record this season, and my best time was 4:43.71.
Q: How did you feel when you found out you beat the 500 freestyle record?
A: I felt great when I broke the 500 freestyle record and was surprised afterward when I realized I beat it.
Q: How has swimming shaped your life?
A: Swimming [has] shaped my life for the better, creating good habits and discipline for me not just in swimming but also in everyday life, like getting up every day for practice.
Q: What do you feel/think about when you are swimming?
A: When swimming, I don’t really think about anything since I’m so focused on the race.
Q: What do you do to lock in before a meet? Any pre-meet rituals?
A: Before a meet, I usually like to eat a lot the night before and get a lot of sleep; I’ll usually try to get a nap in before a meet.
Q: What have you achieved this season?
A: Some achievements of mine are breaking the 500 freestyle record, making states in all three relays and the 200 freestyle, and dropping a lot of time at [the] Briar Woods [Invitation].
Q: What was your favorite memory of the season?
A: My favorite memory was going to the Briar Woods Invitational since the excitement there was great, and I dropped a lot of time.
Q: Would you rather swim in 100-degree water or -100-degree water?
A: -100 water because most swimmers don’t enjoy hot water, especially during training.
Q: If you could describe swimming in one word, what would it be?
A: Comprehensive.
