Julia Campbell understands her body's limitations, but the Chesterton senior is also willing to push her swimming regimen.
Campbell competed in the finals of the 1,000-yard free, 200 free and 200 back at last weekend's Hall of Fame Classic -- all in a span of 45 minutes.
Admittedly tired and sore, Campbell won the 1,000 free and 200 back and was second in the 200 free.
Later in the day, she helped the Trojans win the 400 free relay and finish fourth in the 200 free relay.
"(After) the 1,000 (free) and 200 (free) my arms were dead," Campbell said. "I just used my legs in the 200 back. My best three events just fell that way, and I wanted to do what I could for the team."
Campbell's efforts were key in the Trojans' overall win among a field which included four of the state's top 13-ranked teams.
"That was a tough trip, and she still wasn't done with two huge relays," Chesterton coach Kevin Kinel said. "She definitely showed leadership all of the way through the meet."
Campbell has been a valuable member of the lineup throughout her prep swimming career.
She's competed in four events (two individual, two relays) in her first three state finals appearances, making the second day in all 12 races.
In the 500 free, she's finished in the top nine all three times. Last season, she helped the 400 free relay place third.
Kinel predicts even better results this season.
"She's letting it loose this year," he said of the Miami (Ohio) recruit. "(Last weekend) was exhausting, but it's to the point in these competitions to suck it up and do it."
Campbell does part of her practice regimen with the state's No. 1 boys team.
"I threw her over there," Kinel said. "I think the more competition you have in practice, the better you'll be. It can only help her."
And the senior believes she's up to that challenge.
"I'm not getting lapped," Campbell said. "It's pretty rough, but it's fun."
Campbell also feels more comfortable discussing issues with the coaching staff.
She was slated to compete in the 400 individual medley last weekend -- not the 1,000 free. Campbell spoke up about the decision.
"I told (Kinel) that I would win the 1,000 and not win the 400 IM, so he switched me," she said. "After practice (Monday), he said my 1,000 was impressive. I said, 'Thanks, I told you I would win and really be glad to put me in the 1,000.'"
Kinel believes the exchange shows Campbell's maturity.
"As kids get older, they start to feel more comfortable about talking with me," he said. "They don't feel it's their place when they are younger, but she realizes now that her opinion is important."
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