For Duncan senior Abbigail Billings, the pool is more than a place to compete. It is where she has learned to embrace hard work, overcome expectations, and push herself toward new goals.
A member of the Duncan Varsity Swim Team, Billings competes primarily in freestyle and backstroke. She is a three-time state qualifier and one-time state placer, with the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle among her favorite events.
“I am a swimmer for the Duncan Varsity Swim Team. My favorite stroke is freestyle, but I also compete in backstroke. I am a three- time state qualifier and a one-time state placer, accomplishments that reflect the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the sport. My favorite events are the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle because I love the excitement of sprinting and racing at top speed. There’s nothing like diving in and giving everything I have from start to finish.”
One of Billings’ most memorable performances came at the Best of the West swim meet, where she competed against more than 500 of Oklahoma’s top Class 5A and 6A swimmers. Seeded 35th among 84 competitors, Billings faced a difficult path to reaching the second day of competition, when only the top 24 advanced.
“The accomplishment I am most proud of is my performance at the Best of the West swim meet. The meet included more than 500 of the best 5A and 6A swimmers in Oklahoma. Going into the event, I was seeded 35th out of 84 swimmers, and only the top 24 would advance to swim on day two. Most people didn’t expect me to qualify, but there was one person who never doubted me, and that was Coach Speed. She knew I was ready and reminded me to trust the process and the work I had put in. Not only did I qualify for day two, but I finished the weekend dropping 2.82 seconds from my time and placing 11th overall. It was an unreal feeling. I can still remember touching the wall, turning around, and seeing my time on the board. That moment showed me what can happen when I trust my training, believe in myself, and refuse to let other people’s expectations determine what I am capable of achieving.”
Coach Speed has remained a major influence on Billings, challenging her to improve daily while helping fuel her collegiate aspirations.
“Anyone who can inspire someone to willingly jump into a pool every day and swim almost 7000 meters, and push themselves to their limits, is truly remarkable.”
Billings credits swimming with teaching her discipline, perseverance, and accountability. She also values the team side of an individual sport, striving to be a relay swimmer her teammates can depend on.
Away from competition, Billings appreciates the support of her parents, whose lessons continue to guide her. When she is not training, she enjoys scuba diving with her dad and brothers in the Florida Keys, another reminder that, for Billings, life is best lived in the water.
