Up-and-Comers: Buttercup Rowe a Rising Star Across Multiple Events
Fourteen-year-old Buttercup Rowe of Waterloo Swimming (Austin, Texas) is reaping the benefits of the hard work she is putting in the pool. Last summer at her first Speedo Sectional Championships in Austin, Rowe competed in five individual events and three relays as a 13-year-old, chalking up personal best times in each event.
Swimming long course, she achieved a 28.44 and 1:02.17 in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, a 1:08.80 in the 100 backstroke and a 1:05.83 and 2:27.61 in the 100 and 200 butterfly. Recently, Rowe has also seen dramatic improvements in her short course swimming, thanks in part to her focus on underwater swimming.
“Buttercup always steps up big at our championship meets—even more so in finals and on relays with her teammates,” says her coach, Will Trusler. “In practice, she sets herself apart with her commitment to underwater swimming. There’s been some sets this year where I got chills watching her go 12.5 yards off every wall. I’m really excited to watch that translate to short course yards swimming.”
Friendly and outgoing, Rowe was voted captain of her training group at Waterloo this season by her peers. Outside of the pool, the eighth grader at Meridian School loves animals, reading, writing short stories, traveling and hiking in the mountains around her town of Round Rock, Texas.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU DO IN SWIMMING?
I think I am good at supporting my teammates and helping them through tough workouts and mental barriers.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST WORKOUTS/SETS YOU’VE DONE?
The toughest set I have done was 10 x 100 on 1:05.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SWIMMING?
I love how supportive and close everyone is, like having a swim family. I also love meeting new swimmers and competing against other fast swimmers.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN SWIMMING…AND WHY?
Lizzi Smith and Haven Shepherd (of Team USA) because they are Paralympians who have overcome challenges and faced adversity in swimming and life.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I like writing, reading books and having fun with my mom, dad, brothers and cats.