On a bleak mid-December afternoon, Shorecrest students line the halls, looking weary with end-of-semester blues. However, despite her own determination to finish the semester strong, sophomore and 500-free state champion Izzy Riva’s face lit up with life once she started talking about swimming. 

     Riva recently competed in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A state championship, placing first in the women’s 500-meter freestyle race and third in the 200-meter freestyle.

     Once Riva starts swimming, it becomes almost a religious experience. “My brain stops thinking, and I feel like in those 4 minutes, 50 seconds, it’s the most peace I’ve ever felt,” said Riva. “There’s not a single thought going on in my mind, except for, ‘I want to touch that wall first.’”

     And she did touch that wall first. Riva explained that she knew she would win early into the race but was still shocked once she got out of the water. She has always been a talented swimmer, but this win took her success story to a new level. 

     Currently the fifth-best female swimmer in Florida for the Class of 2027, Riva is a once-in-a-lifetime talent and one of the best athletes Shorecrest has ever seen.

     In 2023, Class 1A state champion Lillie Nesty swam a four-minute 43-second 500 free as a senior. Riva took only seven seconds longer as a sophomore. 

     Shorecrest is in the 1A division for swimming: the division for the smallest schools, but also the fastest division. Riva is one of only three Shorecrest swimming state champions: Sarah Lankford ‘22 as a junior and Caleb Kravitz ‘20 as a senior.

     In 2020, Sarah Lankford placed first in the 200-meter freestyle in 1 minute, 49.21 seconds. Riva’s bronze medal in the 200 free took only 1 minute, 48.85 seconds. 

     But even Riva’s record times don’t do her hard work justice. Swimmers are some of the most intense athletes, practicing twice a day all year long. Head Swim & Dive Coach Patricia Nardozzi said, “We’ve always had a very positive outlook, and we definitely are big on excellence, so we are always trying to be really, really good at what we do.” 

     Once Riva finishes her Shorecrest season, she will continue to swim and compete on the St. Petersburg Aquatics team.

     Riva’s coaches and teammates especially recognize her work ethic. Junior Maddox Matyas, one of Riva’s teammates, said, “Her drive and her real passion for the sport [is what makes her so special]. I practice with her every day, and I get to see how much she really wants it; she always pushes herself.”

     While extremely naturally talented, what makes her Izzy Riva is her true love of swimming and everything she puts into it. “It felt natural to me when I was in the water; everything kind of just came to me. [But], I think now, as I get older, nothing can beat hard work,” Riva said.