Julia Campbell said she hasn't added height or seen a noticeable change in power with an increased training regimen.
However, the Chesterton junior swimmer feels mentally stronger this season. She attributes that improvement to learning from her shortcomings in last year's championship heat of the 500-yard free state finals.
"I always believe (swimming) is 90 percent mental. I was psyched out, and I definitely wasn't ready for it," said Campbell, who swam almost seven seconds slower than her prelim time and placed eighth (5:07.25) last year. "The consolation heat is a regular race, but the championship heat is a big deal.
"I plan to keep those thoughts out of my head. I feel like I'm a lot more prepared this time."
Campbell is seeded 12th in both the 200 free (1:52.61) and 500 free (5:02.35) for Friday's state prelims in Indianapolis. She also helped the 400 free relay qualify sixth (3:31.76) and the 200 free relay qualify 15th (1:38.51).
This is Campbell's third trip to the state finals. She's been a part of four top-eight relay finishes -- including a fourth in last season's 200 free -- but Campbell could make her second and third individual appearances in championship heats.
Campbell hasn't shaved, customary for swimmers preparing for big meets, and she has not worn her fast suit. She's also improved her turns, working on not breathing out of them and kicking out more.
"Coach (Kevin Kinel) and I were on the fence about (tapering for the sectionals)," Campbell said, "and I'm really glad I didn't."
Campbell isn't upset that Kinel put her in both the 500 free and 200 free relay since she was a freshman.
"I usually have less than five minutes (between races), and I still am able to go pretty fast in the 50 free (leg)," Campbell said. "That 50 seems like nothing compared to the 20 laps (in the 500). It's just about pacing yourself. I'm able to get out there and go (in the 200 relay)."
Kinel remains confident in Campbell's abilities.
"She has another gear in (the 200 free) relay," Kinel said. "She's a tough kid and a good freestyler at any distance.
"Nothing takes the place of experience, and I think she's become pretty poised."
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