WORTHINGTON -- Anwar Farra plans to go into the medical field after he graduates Worthington High School, and he will bring with him a reputation for discipline and hard work.
His coach on the Stingrays swim team, Donna Damm, says that besides being an outstanding breaststroke specialist, Farra is appreciated for his attitude -- for setting his goals high and reaching them.
“When he wants something, you can see it,” Damm said. “There’s just no stopping him.”
The WHS senior -- one of just two on the team -- is enjoying another fine swim season. In the recently-completed state meet at the University of Minnesota, he placed first in the 100 breaststroke and was second in the 50 freestyle, also getting a fourth in the 200 breaststroke.
He started out as a hockey player, but in the third grade he switched over to swimming.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Ever since then, I really enjoyed the sport,” Farra said.
As one of only two seniors on the local club team, Farra is kind of a big brother to the many younger swimmers on the team. He also enjoys a friendly rivalry with fellow senior Blaine Doeden who, like himself, has been cutting through the water this winter like nobody’s business. Doeden captured firsts in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events at state, and was second in the 100 butterfly. He, in fact, claimed the boys 15-18 age group championship.
Anwar and Blaine will both compete in the regional meet March 23-24, which again will be on the University of Minnesota campus. Anwar will repeat his performances in the 50 free and 100 breaststroke.
The Globe wanted to get a fuller picture of Farra’s swimming story, and the result is a Drill episode filmed at the Worthington Area YMCA swimming pool. You can see the video online at www.dglobe.com . Here is a sampling of the interview:
QUESTION: What is the most valuable advice you’ve received in your athletic career?
ANSWER: “The most valuable advice I ever received was to work on my diet and nutrition. You can work hard, but if your body isn’t working on good fuel it’s going to be hard to perform well. So I’m definitely working on upgrading my diet and nutrition during the season. It’s absolutely paramount.”
QUESTION: Who is the person who most inspires you in sports?
ANSWER: “The person who most inspires me in sports, I would say, is (New England Patriots quarterback) Tom Brady. I just absolutely love his spirit. I think his fighting spirit is great. … It’s that kind of spirit and mentality going into competition that makes you better.”
ADVERTISEMENT
QUESTION: So you’re planning to go into medicine, following the footsteps of your father, who is a physician here in Worthington.
ANSWER: “I always liked the idea of going into the healthcare industry. It was always interesting to me. I don’t really see myself in any other field. My father’s been a great influence on me in everything, especially when it comes to a career choice. He used to bring me to the office when I was young and kind of show me around.”