Horizon Honors’ senior Kennah Burdette has been an artistic swimmer for the past 14 years of her life. A dedicated swimmer for the Arizona Desert Dolphins, Burdette competed in her last high school meet: nationals. Burdette competed in six different events spanning across four days, April 10 through April 13. She did not let several days of competition or the long plane ride to Greensborough, North Carolina, throw her off her game, with Burdette winning the silver medal in the free solo event. Burdette was kind enough to sit down with The Horizon Sun for an interview, sharing her experience from the event.
Editor’s note: Responses have been edited for clarity.
The Horizon Sun: How did you train for nationals?
Kennah Burdette: I practiced 26 hours a week, lots of which included conditioning and technique work. My coach is very particular, so I did lots of video review and self reflection to improve.
The Sun: What went through your mind after you swam your solo?
KB: I knew it was my last high school swim, so I was more excited than nervous. I knew I just had to put it all out there, one last time. I really just hoped for a clean swim, which means hitting all required elements that are cleared by tech controllers. After I finished I knew it was good, but still had to wait to get my score. My score bumped me into first place and my team was super supportive. However, I couldn’t celebrate right away since I was the sixth of 14 athletes, meaning there were still eight chances for someone to beat me. So I cooled down, then just had to wait in the stands. I had to find a balance of being supportive of others while still being excited for myself. After everyone competed I was in second, but still waited to celebrate. When athletes base mark, meaning they don’t credit for an element, they can protest what the tech controls failed. So if someone’s petition got passed, there was a chance they could beat my score. That ended up not happening, so I could finally celebrate my win!
The Sun: What was your favorite event to compete in?
KB: I have always been a fan of duets, but solos were special this year because they were my senior solos. I really put extra effort and love into them.
The Sun: Are solos more nerve-racking than team events?
KB: Solos were the hardest events, since I did the hardest skills I was capable of. Teams are less challenging for me, since I have to adapt to the skill levels of others. In some ways, yes [solos are more nerve-racking], but I feel more confident when doing them, because I am fully in control. In team events, teammates can mess up, and that is something you just can’t control.
The Sun: What are your plans after graduating?
KB: I’ll be attending The Ohio State University and joining their artistic swim team. There I will be majoring in the sport industry and marketing to hopefully work with professional athletes.
The Sun: How does it feel knowing you are going to a D1 school?
KB: It’s always been one of my goals to swim in college and it is cool to know I will do so at the highest level, competing with talented athletes who have also competed internationally.
The Sun: What has been your biggest takeaway from competing in high level sports for so many years?
KB: One of the biggest takeaways that I have gathered from taking part in high performance training is that everything is relative. There is an obvious side to sports that stems from the coaching end and the people or places you find yourself in. But, your circumstances are what you make of them. You have the ability to train your mind to push yourself over barriers that your mind space puts up; change only happens when you take the actions to enact it. The environment you are in does affect your success, but overall you must take back control if you truly want to pursue the highest form of success that you are capable of.
Burdette’s hard work serves as inspiration for all, also graduating as the Class of 2025 valedictorian. The Horizon Sun congratulates Burdette and can’t want to see what she will do next year as a Buckeye!
