Get To Know The Franklin Flyer's Phillip Emerson

by Josh Huger (MrUtopia)

The Franklin Flyer’s Phillip Emerson is this week’s featured swimmer. Phillip, a freshman in high school, enjoyed what many would call a breakout season this year.

At this year’s PIAA state meet Phillip placed 2nd in the 200 medley relay, 3rd in the 400 Freestyle Relay, 4th in the 100 freestyle, and 7th in the 200 Free Relay.

In this SwimUtopia interview Phillip tells us about what his biggest accomplishment so far in swimming and what he uses for motivation.

Let’s get started!

What team or teams do you swim for?

Franklin Flyers and Franklin Knights

What records do you hold for both teams?

For club I hold about 30 records including all events fewer than 500 yards (that’s all we swim).That includes 6 PA state records and 1 Age group National record in the prep division 100 free.

For High School I hold our Team’s 50 Free, 200 Medley, and 400 Free Relay records. I also have some records at surrounding pools. Region 1 records: 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free, and 500 Free. D10 records: 50 Free, 200 Medley, and 200 Free Relay

Do you like high school or club swimming better?

I like High School more

Why?

There is more competition. I like swimming seniors as a freshman

What places did you come in at this year’s District and High School State Championships?

D10 meet: 1st- 200 Medley, 1st- 200 Free Relay, 2nd- 100 Free, 2nd- 400 Free Relay

PIAA meet: 2nd- 200 Medley, 3rd- 400 Free Relay, 4th- 100 Free, 7th- 200 Free Relay

Were you happy with those results?

I was very happy with those results.

What are some of your goals going into this summer’s long course season?

I have never done long course so I am going to do some meets with a friend from college

What do your coaches do to help set you up for success?

Make sure my head doesn’t get too big.

What would you say your biggest accomplishment has been in swimming?

My National Record in the 100 Free as a 12 year old- 50.22

What are your top times?

50  Free         - 21.47  
50  Free split  - 20.88
100 Free        - 46.71

What would you say motivates you?

Focusing on where I want to be in a few years.

What are some things that people may not know about you?

I hold a National Record, if people don’t know, I don’t tell them

I rarely talk about swimming unless people ask how I did or whatnot

I broke my arm New Year’s Eve 2006 and then Broke my first state record 3 months later after having my cast off for only 3 weeks

What is your favorite pump-up band or artist to listen to before racing?

Eminem

Do you have any pre-meet rituals?

I normally puke, I don’t know why, it just seems to happen

What records do you hold?

Almost every Record at our local YMCA for every age group I have been through. YMCA PA state records.1 national record. The records I mentioned earlier for HS

What is your favorite food?

Chinese

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

My Father or my Grandfather

What would you say is the hardest practice that you have ever done?

It was a combination of a 6 A.M. practice and swimming from 4 to 7:30 that night. It was about 13,000 yards

At what point in your life did you know that you wanted to take swimming seriously?

I was about 13 or 14

Please list any other additional information that you would like to share!

I had the second fastest split at the PIAA meet in the 200 Medley Relay- (20.88) and remember I am a freshman.