Sharks Alumni Spotlight – 20 Questions

1 -    How is the school semester starting out? 
So far so good, just staying focused on what I have to do
2 -    How is swimming going?  
Swimming is going well. It’s a lot of fun to train in the new pool, and the team is awesome
3 -    What are you specifically working on right now to improve your swimming?  
There’s always something you can work on to improve. This year one of my main concentrations is underwaters.
4 -    What stood out about the experience of your first NCAA championship meet?
It was the real deal.  I got to see some of the best athletes in the world. 
5 -    Can you briefly describe your experience at the Olympic Trials?
Trials were a lot of fun.  It’s always a good time to travel to new places. The atmosphere there was like nothing I have ever seen.  I was a ball of nerves when I , but it was good to experience that level of competition.  I am definitely thankful I got to compete there 
6 -    What season goals have you set for yourself this year?  
Well I have a lot of goals in mind, but it’s much easier to take it one day at a time. Training consistently, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep are everyday goals. Meets are good to see where you’re at in the season and if you are where you need to be.
7 -    Are there any longer-term swimming goals that you have set for yourself?  
Absolutely, I want to do the best I can and not have anything hold me back or get in the way. I don’t know where I’ll be in 2 years from now, but im looking forward to it! 
8 -   Your career at SSC had basically 2 stages.  Are there any memories - or thoughts in general - that stand out about your career as a shark?      
So many memories… the 9,000 fly stands out. I think before I quit I wasn’t good with dealing with stress and pressure, but coming back, I realized how important the mental aspect of it was and had a totally different mindset. It shaped me to be the person I am today not just in swimming but in life.
9 -    What do you now know about swimming on the big stage that you wish you figured out or understood earlier?  i.e. - any advice for the kids back home who one day would like to swim at your level?  
If I knew then what I know now, then it would have been a lot different. The advice I would give is that every day is an opportunity to better yourself, not just as a swimmer but as a person. Having a positive attitude is probably the most important thing you need to make it as a swimmer. Even if im having a bad day I find some way to benefit so im not wasting my time and taking up space. But life is just more enjoyable when you are positive about it.
10 -   What is your major at UT - and what thoughts have you had about your post-college career?
I was in business but now im in arts & sciences. For now im just trying to see how far swimming will take me and see what opportunities open up for me.
 11 - Your teammate - Christine Magnuson - won a couple of Silver medals in Beijing.  Has her success had an effect on the swimmers in Knoxville?  
Knoxville has definitely responded to Christine’s success. She has inspired many swimmers here, and is a great role model for them as well.
12 -    If you weren't swimming at UT, what sport would you like to think you'd be on at UT?
Hmmm, well I love soccer, beach volleyball, and baseball, but we only have a men’s baseball team - so I’d have to go with that. If not, I’d probably just live in the weight room.
13 -    After swimming and school, what do you do to relax?
Relaxing is always part of the daily routine. After class I usually get away from everyone and chill out in the room for at least a half hour and just get myself mentally prepared for training.
14 -    Do you have a song - or songs - that you listen to on the ipod to help you get up for races?
My roommate is from Sweden, so he got me into techno. It just gets me in the zone.
15 -    What is Knoxville like?  
Knoxville is a beautiful city. It’s very clean and laid back compared to home, and the weather is nice. The Smoky Mountains are nearby, so camping and hiking are always an option, and in the summer we hang out at the lake a lot at the lake and cliff jump and wakeboard. I love it here, there’s always something to do.
16 -    Between swimming and lifting and dry-land, how many hours a week are you training? 
…Twice a day, except Wed and Sat and off on Sunday. We’re putting in hard hours.  I’d say somewhere around 25
17 -    What's a pretty crazy set you've done lately?  
Monday afternoons are always intense, but this one set we did was pretty crazy… 25,50,75 underwater fly kick with zoomers – 5 times.
18 -    What's up with the UT football team?  
Yeah – we’re not having a good year, but I just keep reminding myself that basketball season will make up for it.
19 -    How cool is the new pool?  
It’s such a privilege to train there.  Everything you need to be the best you can is available in that building.
20 -     If you could be any super-hero, who would it be? Why? 
That’s tough, but it would be sweet to fly, so maybe Superman.