Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS
By Bri Groves, Swimming World College Intern
In Rio, Chase Kalisz will make his Olympic debut alongside an entourage of fellow Georgia bulldogs and Olympic legend, Michael Phelps. Like Phelps, Kalisz grew up swimming for North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC) under Coach Bob Bowman. The Bowman-Phelps duo has commanded Baltimore’s Meadowbrook Aquatic Center for nearly two decades, inspiring Kalisz to stick with his own swimming career and train with Phelps. Now this Olympic rookie is looking to make a name for himself at the Games, but while he continues to prepare, we’ll help his fan base get started.
Here are four Kalisz-Phelps moments you probably haven’t heard about…
1. As a kid, Kalisz enjoyed setting off Phelps’ car alarm and incessantly asking him for autographs.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
When Michael Phelps’ Escalade pulled into Baltimore’s Meadowbrook Aquatic Center, the NBAC kids would gather around. Chase Kalisz was just another awestruck age grouper who looked up to the Olympic gold medalist, but he was also mischievous. Back then, Kalisz would stealthily make his way to the parking lot and spin the Escalade’s custom rims. Inevitably, the alarm would sound, sending Kalisz running and Phelps sprinting right after him.
2. Kalisz begged to train with Phelps, and later begged not to.
Photo Courtesy: Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Sports
As Kalisz matured, he transitioned from an autograph-seeker to Phelps’ training partner. At first he was excited– after all Kalisz was living the dream, right? But training with Phelps proved to be difficult. Bob put pressure on Kalisz to perform, but Phelps did not just request performance, he required it from Kalisz. At times, he struggled emotionally to handle the immense expectations that were thrust upon him. At other points, this constant helped lead Kalisz to stellar times and incredible success.
3. When Kalisz missed the Olympic team in 2012, Phelps was more upset than Kalisz.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
In 2012, Kalisz was starry-eyed and caught up in the moment. He was happy to be competing, but Phelps wanted him with him on his last Olympic team. Went Kalisz missed the cut, London felt incomplete for Phelps. Fortunately Phelps still had another Olympics in the tank.
4. At Georgia, Kalisz broke Tyler Clary’s American record in the 400-yard IM. Phelps promptly challenged him to break the world record in Rio.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Phelps has left a multitude of times and goals for Kalisz to pursue. After breaking Phelps’s American 400 IM record, Phelps turned to Kalisz and said, “the next step, go 4:03.” Kalisz said, “‘I’ll try.’ That’s somebody who never backs down from a challenge.”
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