Get to Know: Swimming's Teddy Neilson

9/20/2023

Teddy Neilson is a four-year member of the team who specializes in the 100 breaststroke at the high school level and has been a three-time state qualifier. He is shooting to break the school record this season after being part of the pool medley relay record last year. He is looking at Arizona, Utah, and UNLV to swim in college. He has been named a Scholastic All-American by USA Swimming to be announced later this fall. He is a member of the National Honor Society.

When did you start swimming?

“I started swimming when I was eight. My sister started the year before and I would go to meets and watch her. I got an ultimatum the next year to actually watch instead of playing on my dad’s phone or I could swim. I started getting serious in high school.”

Coach says you have set breaking the 100 breaststroke school record as a goal. What are your prospects of breaking the record?

“I am focusing on the process of it. The time will come.”

Your twin sister Mary Jane swims for Horizon. What can you tell us about your relationship?

‘We have the twin telepathy a lot. I appreciate my sister because she was my inspiration for swimming and got me into it. She has always been there for me and been there to cheer me on. It is our goal is go to college together and support each other.”

What is your favorite thing about being on the Brophy swim team?

“It is the opportunity to be a mentor to the underclassman. It is a chance to be a leader. When I was a freshman and sophomore, I looked up to the older guys. I always wanted to be one of the older guys they looked up to. I have that opportunity this year and have the close family (atmosphere of the team) and circle of friends.”

What did you learn from swimming at the state meet last year that will help you get back there?

“It is a mentality. It is a really competitive meet. It is always to get in your head and have doubts about things. This season is about staying focused on the task ahead and staying focused on my process, having a strategy and race plan to take me there.”

If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie, where would you live: Star Wars

What animal best represents you: Shark

What is your greatest achievement(s): Qualifying for Scholastic All-American

If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future: Past

What teacher has inspired you the most: Mr. Danforth (Honors English)

What is your favorite holiday: Christmas

If you won the lottery, what would you buy: A nice house for my parents

What’s your favorite dinner: Lasagna

Name the celebrity you would like to meet: Ken Jeong

Who is your hero: My Dad

What is on your Bucket List: Skydiving