What is something that most people don't know about you?
I am extremely allergic to mangoes but they are my favorite food. I still eat them but I break out in hives.
When did you realize you could swim in college?
I've been swimming since I was 4 ½ so pretty much my whole life has been leading to this. I started with swimming lessons and I was good at it and it went from there.
I have a younger sister who also swims. She is a senior in high school and she's going to swim at Duke next year.
Why did you choose Maryland?
They have a really good engineering program and I like the pool a lot. I've been swimming here since I was young.
What is your favorite thing to do in College Park when you're not training?
I like doing things with my friends. I like playing games and playing pick-up sports.
Describe your experiences at the Olympic Trials.
They were amazing. Seeing world records being broken in person and having a stadium full of people for a swim meet was amazing to watch.
They filled a basketball stadium (with people) and had fireworks going off when people set records. There was an entire complex devoted to it.
How have you changed since your freshman year?
I've gotten a lot more mature and outgoing. I know a lot more about myself than I did when I came to school, both in swimming and life in general.
What is your most memorable moment during your time at Maryland?
Breaking the pool and school record at the Terp Cup in the 200 Butterfly (this year).
Who is your most influential role model?
My grandma. She has been through a lot in her life but I have never seen her not smiling. She is always trying to please everyone and make everyone around her happy.
Also, my cousin, Matt Christian, got third place at the Paralympic Trials. He has been very inspirational.
What is the best advice a coach has ever given you?
Stay positive and stay relaxed. Don't worry about things too much.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
I am hoping to win an event or at least get top three in a few of my events. I want to make (the NCAA Championships) and have my teammates come with me in relays.
Are you excited the ACC Championship is in College Park?
Definitely. We have a great pool and we have been practicing and competing well in it all year. Everyone is excited to have it here.
Quick Facts
Favorite Movie: Boondock Saints
Favorite Pre-race Music: Alternative
Favorite Pre-race Meal: Pasta
Favorite Place on Campus: The Mall |
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When did you realize you could dive in college?
Ever since I was 14 or 15 it has been an option for me and something I wanted to do.
What got you started in diving?
We had a trampoline in our yard when I was growing up and I've always enjoyed water. I took swimming lessons when I was young but I didn't swim competitively. I guess my parents thought I liked water and I like playing on (the trampoline) and they put two and two together and I started diving.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
Not in high school. When I was younger I played hockey, baseball and soccer.
Why did you choose Miami?
The diving program has an amazing history and I wanted to continue diving and to get better. The school and location is such a contrast for me, the experience of seeing that much more of the world was important.
What was the biggest adjustment from Regina, Saskatchewan to Miami, Fla.?
The logical response would be weather, but really it is just being a long way from home and adjusting to things by myself.
What is your favorite thing to do in Miami when you're not training?
I just like hanging out with friends doing some fun things. Doing some random, crazy things.
Describe your experiences at the Olympics.
The Olympics were incredible. They were everything I expected and more. Definitely a once in a lifetime, maybe twice in a lifetime experience.
The Opening Ceremony, walking in to the stadium, it was the whole realization (of where you were). Even after you get to Beijing and the couple weeks leading up to it, it was surreal. Once I walked into the stadium with the Canadian team, it kind of hit home. It was an awesome feeling.
What is your biggest accomplishment away from the pool?
Just who I am. I always strive to be the best person I can be, in whatever I'm doing. That is something I've worked towards.
What is your most memorable moment during your time at Miami?
Just being there. I really enjoy going to practice every day. Working with my teammates and my coaches, getting better and being the best.
Who is your most influential role model?
My dad. The way he thinks and acts, he always challenges me to look at the world in a different way and see what other people don't see.
Are you excited to be back at the ACC Championship after missing it last year (to be with the Canadian National Team)?
I am excited. I've got three titles to defend and I'm going to do my best to do that.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
I'd like to win another NCAA national championship and win all three events at the ACC Championship.
Quick Facts
Favorite Movie: Fight Club/Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Pre-Event Music: Something upbeat
Favorite Pre-Event Meal: Nothing special
Favorite Place on Campus: Looking out over the lake on campus |
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