By Justine Ress Swimming World Intern
After some stellar performances at both Duel in the Pool and just a few days later, the Pro-Am meet in Oklahoma, I wanted to catch up with my former teammate Cody Miller. With two new American records and an impressive 1:49.74 in the 200-yard breaststroke last weekend, Miller’s swimming career is on a serious upswing.
Not only is swimming going well, but Miller also just proposed to his now-fiancée Ali Dewitt at the Golden Goggle Awards.
Photo Courtesy of Ali Dewitt
Being a Hoosier myself, I know a lot of what Miller’s training has looked like in the past. He’s extremely focused and driven; a truly great teammate and leader.
But there’s more to Miller than that. For example, he has two adorable Pomeranian puppies (Lego and Puff). And while I may know these things after being teammates for the past four years, his fans may not.
I wanted to see if there were more things that even I didn’t know. Miller was kind enough to take a break from his hectic swim schedule to answer a few questions; both swimming and personal.
1. What is your first swimming memory?
I remember my first swim meet. I was incredibly happy. I finished a backstroke race and was given a red ribbon, I was so excited I jumped up and down. I wanted to do it again. That was probably around age 8. Back then I couldn’t do breaststroke!
2. Have you ever done any other sports? If so, which?
I did a few sports when I was younger. I did soccer for a year, gymnastics for two years. In 8th and 9th grade I took dance lessons. I actually really liked ballet.
3. What is your favorite part about swimming?
My favorite part about swimming is seeing my friends every day. I show up on deck and goof off with people who make me laugh. The friendships I have make me appreciate the things swimming has given to me.
4. Has your performance at Duel in the Pool changed your goals at all?
I was happy with my performance at Duel in the Pool. My goals haven’t changed. I’m just like everyone else fighting for a spot on that team. I just keep trying to make myself better and hope it’s good enough.
5. How long do you plan on sticking with swimming?
I plan on swimming as long as I can, or as long as I’m still enjoying it! You’ve got to love what you do. As long as I’m enjoying myself I’ll keep going.
6. What’s it like being engaged to someone who coaches?
My fiancée is a coach. She coaches high school and age group levels. It’s strange to think that swimming is such a big part of both of our lives, but we actually don’t talk about swimming very much. We’re both nerds, we bond over Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and all kinds of awesome stuff. We complement each other, it’s really nice!
7. Who inspires you?
My mom is my biggest inspiration. She works her butt off, and I wouldn’t be where I am today with out her.
8. What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
When I first qualified for Olympic Trials in 2008. That was my proudest moment. At age 16, I’ll never forget the feeling I got hugging my coach after. Also getting engaged!
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
9. What are your plans for after swimming?
Plans for after swimming? That’s an excellent question. I’m not super sure. I’d like to coach college some day.
10. What kind of training have you been doing this year?
The kind of training I’ve been doing lately, more emphasis on the weight room, trying to get stronger! It’s paying off. But I still swim a lot! Ten swim workouts a week, Wednesday morning off. Lots of grinding.
11. What or whom would you attribute your recent success in the pool to?
My success in the pool comes from a combination of people. Obviously my coaches Mike Westphal and Ray Looze. They train me hard. The team at Indiana has a great culture and work ethic, they make it fun to come to work out. Also my lovely fiancée Ali. She keeps me balanced and grounded.
12. You just landed TYR as a sponsor– what’s that like?
I’m now a part of Team TYR. I’m really excited about it. They make my favorite racing suit. It comes in a bunch of sweet colors. It’s new and exciting.
13. If you could give young swimmers today any advice what would you say?
Number one, listen to your parents. I used to fight my mom about going to bed and eating healthy. I wanted to stay up late watching TV and eating junk food. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve realized they were only trying to help me. And the more I listened to them, the faster I swam. Number two, have fun. My lifelong friends are swimmers. You have to enjoy it. Enjoy the people you spend your time with. You should be having fun!
Keep an eye out for Miller in the coming months. I’m sure he won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
This article doesn’t mention that he also keeps his apartment spotless! Go Cody. So proud of you!
Gives a decent interview. Badly needs a haircut.