Last season when she finished fifth in the 100 backstroke at the District 11 Class 2A swim meet, Catasauqua’s Maliya Walp was determined to finish on the podium the following season.

“After last year, I knew I could get to the podium,” stressed Walp, who is a junior. “It was just a matter of working and giving it everything I had. I swam all summer and worked during the fall and winter with the (Northampton) high school team.

“I had it in my head, and I knew that I had to dig a little deeper.”

Walp, who is the lone Catasauqua school representative for the sport, did dig deep and reached her goal. She swims with the Northampton team during the season and also with the Northampton club team during the spring and summer.

Walp finished third in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:06.17 to capture her first medal. She also placed fifth in the 200 IM in a time of 2:31.04.

For Walp, gaining the medal was a lifetime moment.

“When I realized I had it in the pool, it was a great feeling,” reflected Walp. “Then I knew I was going to be the podium. It was worth all the work I had put in to get there.”

Walp noted her rise to her medal was due in part to Ashley Benner, her new swim coach this year.

“Having a different coach this year really helped me a lot,” said Walp. “We started in the summer, and I knew we would be right for each other. We worked on technique, and she gave me the confidence to reach my goal.”

Walp recalled that her competitive swimming started at the age of five, three years after she began to initially swim. There was an instant connection.

“My parents got me started swimming,” said Walp. “As far back as I can remember, I have always loved it. I just want to keep going.”

She is confident swimming can be a staple in her future. Recently Walp visited the Widener University swimming program with friend Tyla Block, who is a swimmer from Allentown Central Catholic. Walp plans to pursue a collegiate swimming career and possibly has coaching aspiration down the road.

As for the present, Walp will continue to embark on continuing her high school career toward reaching another podium next year.