Kooper Johnson is a sophomore at Maize High School and competes on the Eagles’ swim team. Swimming has always been a big part of Johnson’s life and he first started swimming competitively at the age of nine. Johnson is following in the footsteps of his parents who were both very successful swimmers and competed at the collegiate level. Johnson said that their support and knowledge has been very inspiring and he appreciates their encouragement. Johnson is also appreciative of the support he has received from friends, teammates and coaches in Maize as he continues his young career.

“I would have to say my parents were my greatest inspiration because both of them competed at colleges (with my mom swimming at the University of Kansas),” Johnson said. “Besides my parents, two peers from Maize, Regan Richardson, and my old teammate Luke Taylor are the ones who showed me how to enjoy high school swimming and swimming in general, so any good times I have at practice, I can thank those two.”

While Johnson competes in many events he said that the 200 IM is his favorite because it allows him to swim all of the different strokes. However, in his opinion his strongest event is the 500m freestyle because of his ability to hold a strong and consistent pace. Last year at the state competition Johnson had a particularly exciting time competing in the 500m freestyle.

“Going into to the finals I was seeded seventh in the 500 free, and then at the finals I cut five seconds to jump up a place,” Johnson said. “I loved this race due to the fact that I got to race Luke Taylor and other friends. I wasn’t expecting anything from that race heading into the finals, and then I had one of the biggest time cuts that I have ever had.”

Over the years Johnson has enjoyed the opportunities that swimming has provided as both a form of competition and genuine fun.

“Some lessons I have learned have been that no matter the amount of effort you put in, you won’t improve to the point you want to until you start enjoying what you do,” Johnson said. “Also, I have learned that it’s the small things that create the big picture.”

As Johnson continues his career he is always looking for little ways that he can improve. “It’s not how fast you go, it’s how hard you work” are words from Johnson’s club swimming coach Mitchell, which Johnson said he has taken to heart and thinks about at every meet and practice he attends.

Outside of swimming Johnson also enjoys playing basketball, reading, and playing video games with friends. After high school Johnson plans to continue his swimming career at the collegiate level.

“For a career, I would love to go into marine biology, although I would have to leave Kansas, I plan to move back after retirement, and maybe coach for Maize High School, or a club,” Johnson said.