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SAVING HER BEST FOR LAST

School record-holder Hartley ready to finish up strong in the pool

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Grace Hartley of Fort Dodge competes in the Gary Winkler Invitational during the regular season in the Dodger pool.

Grace Hartley is already a school record-holder and an individual state medalist. The Fort Dodge captain’s accomplishments will rank among the Dodger girls swim program’s all-time greats when all is said and done.

Yet Hartley has focused just as much on embracing the little things for her senior season. With the global pandemic casting a shadow of doubt over the 2020 campaign, Hartley placed a sense of urgency on enjoying each moment — not just the time drops and individual achievements.

“Since it’s my last season and there’s always the possibility that it might get cut short at any time due to COVID, I am trying as best I can to make it a successful and memorable one for both myself and my teammates,” said Hartley, who currently carries a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average. “Because I am a senior, I have definitely had to step up and become a bigger leader. I feel like I have a responsibility to show the younger girls on the team what it means to work hard so that they can achieve their goals and show others the same thing when they are seniors.

“My favorite swim memories are just goofing around with my teammates at practice, team times, or on the bus rides to and from away meets.”

Hartley reached the finals in the 500 freestyle at state two years ago, shattering her older sister Taylor’s FDSH record in the process. Last season, Hartley established a new low time in the 200 individual medley at state. She competed in four state events as a junior, and has qualified 10 times over the course of her first three years in the pool.

“My main goal is definitely to get back to the state meet again,” Hartley said. “I’ve been training hard for it all season, and I’m hoping that the work will pay off.”

After Thursday’s CIML Iowa Conference meet in the Dodger pool, Hartley’s attention will turn to regionals on Nov. 7 — also at FDSH. She will attempt to qualify in the 200 individual medley, the 100 breaststroke, and with the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay teams.

Hartley plans on attending the University of Iowa and majoring in health and human physiology.

TIMEOUT WITH GRACE HARTLEY

Vacation destination: Greece.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Michelle Obama.

It would surprise people that I: like to paint.

My sports role model:

my sister, Taylor.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: my dog, Finn.

Superstition: before meets, I have to re-tighten my goggles multiple times.

Most heated rivalry:

Carrroll.

Favorite road trip: Arizona.

What are you listening to right now? Harry Styles.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa Hawkeyes.

Class: Human Anatomy and Physiology with Mr. Long.

Movie: Harry Potter series.

Book: “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie.

Phone app: Snapchat.

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