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01/23/2024 10:51 AMIn many tasks and skills in life, the wherewithal to excel in it is quite often not enough. And so, one additionally needs the correct function and form to thrive. This is exactly where Justin Pham’s passion for the pool in the sport of swimming makes a splash.
The Branford High School junior played soccer growing up, prior to his parents signing him up for swim lessons. This sparked him to participate competitively on numerous clubs. After being a state finalist competitor last year while representing the Hornets, Justin has been appointed a captain for the new Hand-Branford-Old Saybrook boys’ swimming and diving co-op team this winter, which is off to another solid start at 3-2.
“In swimming, I like how it is not all about strength, because it is also about knowing the right technique. I also like how the work and what you do in practices will show up in meets and races,” says Justin. “I just keep showing up to practice and working hard. What I do in practice is what I do in events, and working hard in practice makes a difference. My main strokes and best events have been the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, and I think my technique for both is what makes me strong at them.”
No matter the battle plan going into an event, adversity is bound to rise, and Justin will face some setbacks and some pre-swim jitters. He explains that he overcomes any sort of anxiety and apprehension by just having an inward conversation and believing in himself with a quintessential pep talk.
“A lot of times, I can be nervous before a race, but then I just tell myself that I can do it. I set my mind to it, and I know I can do it,” Justin says. “I really think that believing in myself is what makes me strong and a stronger swimmer mentally.”
One of the highest marks in Justin’s journey in the water has been being appointed a steward for the squad this winter. While he aims to serve as a great template for the rest of the team to emulate, Justin is always there to keep a deep and diverse co-op squad honed in on the task at hand.
“Being named a captain was a big achievement for me in my life. I have to be a strong role model, especially as a captain,” says Justin. “For me, it is about being that role model and being a leader during a meet, along with making sure we are all staying on topic during practices. We have a hard schedule in front of us the rest of the way, but we are doing really well. I think the co-op team has really brought us all together, because all of our lives are swimming. We are a really good team now with the size of our roster.”
Last postseason yielded one of Justin's proudest moments as a competitor, as he was gone in about 60 seconds in the butterfly. He was so amazed by his fantastic feat that he could not fathom it at first, and suspected a clock malfunction.
“One of my biggest accomplishments was just swimming at states last year,” says Justin. “But I also hit a minute for the 100 butterfly. I did not believe it at first; I honestly thought the timer was broken. But I was so happy after I saw it was for real.”
It has certainly been a balancing act for Justin, between juggling the books and staying well above water athletically. Still, he garners some great life skills through the grind by knowing how to maximize his time, and utilizing every minute and second of each day.
“I have learned a lot about balancing my school work and swimming,” says Justin. “It can be hard to plan out enough time for each. But focusing on school is a big part of it all. I just get my work done when it needs to be done.”
Hand Head Coach Scott Butler recalls that it didn’t take much work for his pitch to Justin to assume a leadership role for the Tigers. Justin’s immediacy to answer yes to his coach just further showed his effectiveness as a leader and dedication to the team.
“I immediately reached out to Justin this summer asking him if he would be interested in applying for captaincy. A huge smile came across his face and he happily nodded,” says Butler. “This season has been a wonderful learning experience for Justin, and has allowed his leadership qualities to be recognized by his peers. Now that we are a full blown cooperative team, it was a huge honor to be asked and even a bigger honor to be selected by his teammates, all 17 of them!”
In terms of Justin and the Tigers’ remaining dual-meet slate, they certainly have a challenging road in front of them with formidable foes. Yet Justin conveys that the boys are honed in on finishing above .500 once the dust settles on the regular season, prior to setting their sights on potential high postseason marks.
“We want to have more wins than losses in the regular season,” Justin says. “Hopefully we will accomplish that, even with the tough schedule we have. At the SCC Championships, I would like to finish in the top 5 in my events, and for us to finish in the top 5 as a team.”