There is no room for error in Mercer Island Islanders senior Nate Robinson’s favorite races in the pool.

Robinson, who competes in the 50 free and 100 free, thrives in short-distance events due to sheer tenacity and astute technique.

“It is all about how much water you are pulling and how much drag your arm is making. It is about weighing those two things and making sure you are going as fast as you can,” Robinson said. “When I’m up behind the blocks, I’m not really thinking about the technique because everyday you have to practice your technique at practice. When it comes time for racing, it’s just time to go for it. You have to be confident in what you are doing at practice day in and day out. That way when you get to your race, you can just go on autopilot.”

Robinson expects the Islanders to be in contention for the Class 3A state championship this February at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

“We all have one goal and that is to win state this year. We know that we’re going to do that as a team and not as individuals. We are all super motivated by that,” he said.

Robinson said he began swimming as a 6-year-old at the Mercer Island Beach Club.

Recently the Mercer Island Reporter had an opportunity to ask Robinson some questions about his life away from the swimming pool.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Nate Robinson: I really like “The Breakfast Club.” I think it’s really good. It probably has the best ending of any movie.

MIR: What is your dream vacation spot?

NR: Hawaii for sure. It is super warm, tropical and there is a lot of swimming.

MIR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

NR: When people chew with their mouth open. It is super loud and is very obnoxious.

MIR: What is the last movie you saw in the theater?

NR: “Black Panther.”

MIR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

NR: It wouldn’t be one person. It would be the entire (Mercer Island Islanders) swim team. We have team dinners after every meet. It is a lot of fun.

MIR: How many text messages do you send per day?

NR: Probably like 15 or so.

MIR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

NR: Folk rock.