Brittney Ortis is a very experienced diver and swimmer who has dedicated many years improving her talents. Ortis originally wanted to start volleyball but when a friend suggested swimming she thought she would give it a try. When she did, she fell in love with the sport.
Ortis has spent six years and many hours training for diving and swimming. Monday through Friday Ortis spends about three hours a day practicing. Along with pool time she also does dry land, which is gym work like running and lifts. She also has spent a lot of time to perfect a dive. Many injuries including bruises, scrapes, and bumps have occurred. Once she even bruised her entire back from slapping against the water.
All of her practice has paid off. In diving this past season, she won all but one competition. She has made it to state competitions for many categories in swimming as well. She made it to state competitions for the 100-meter backstroke, 50-meter freestyle, 100-freestyle, 400-medley relay, and 200-freestyle relay.
When asked about her favorite part of the swim team, Ortis replied,” The friends you gain not only from your own team, but the others.” Ortis and her friends also have a lot of fun with their pump-up chant. “Give me an e, E! Give me an x, X! Give me an l, L! Give me an a, A! Give me an x, X! What’s that spell? EXLAX! What’s that make you do? GO! GO! GO!”
