KIDS to WATCH : CATHY CARONE

Swimmer Mission Viejo Age 13

When Cathy Carone’s family moved from a farm in Maryland to Mission Viejo four years ago, her life was forever changed.

Gone were the days of horseback riding, lounging around the swimmin’ hole and all the other pastoral pursuits. In their place were the hustle and bustle of Southern California.

Carone needed a new diversion for her spare time, so she turned to competitive swimming.

“I think part of it was Mom wanted to get me and my brother out of the house a little bit,” Carone said. “I got into swimming so I would have something to do.”

Carone, who competes for the Mission Viejo Nadadores, has become quite good at her hobby. She is considered one of the top young swimmers in Southern California.

At last year’s Junior Olympics, Carone won four events and finished second in another. It was a performance that brought recognition, including a mention in a national swimming magazine.

“It’s really incredible how quickly Cathy has progressed,” said Ken Grey, who coaches the younger Nadadore swimmers.

Carone began swimming when she was 9, three years later than most swimmers, after her family moved from Jefferson, Md. Her father, James, brought the family west after he partially retired in 1985.

Carone has learned the sport quickly, mastering the techniques and demonstrating natural abilities.

“If you put in the time that Cathy does, good things are going to happen,” Grey said.