Dylan Gravley Hoping to Use Recent Open-Water Success as Boost in the Pool
Of all the water sports, open water swimming may be the most unpredictable. From the current to the environment, the circumstances can change drastically with any race. An unwavering demeanor is needed, a consistency in the face of many variables. This consistency is something Dylan Gravley defines, and he’s coming off a weekend for the ages.
From warnings of a typhoon to pre-race drama, the third-year National Teamer faced a myriad of challenges in preparation for his recent race at the World Cup stop in Hong Kong. But Gravley fought through the bumps to secure a seventh-place finish in the 10K race, the best any U.S men’s swimmer has finished in a World Cup race since 2016. In fighting through the challenges on a massive stage, Gravley put together a statement swim.
Pre-Race Danger and Drama
For Gravley and his fellow competitors, the weekend was one of unpredictability, and a truly unforgettable experience. Before the team even left for the race, reports went out of a T-I typhoon warning in Hong Kong. The warning put mass restrictions on the country and placed the race in question. The team’s preparation was thrown off, with athletes unable to warm up on the course before the race, as well as the race’s start time being moved up an hour upon little notice.
“It was absolute mayhem out there,” Gravley said. “But I still felt relaxed and prepared when the time came.”
A Slow Start
The leadup to the race provided a great deal of drama, it was nothing in comparison to the start of the race itself. The field got out to a blazing start, leaving Gravley in a tough position at the back of the field. But the open water national champion’s calm nature helped him battle back.
“I just had to have faith that mid-race, I could catch up with the pack,” said Gravley.
Remaining relaxed has become a newfound asset for Gravley, especially in international competition.
“The younger me would’ve freaked out (starting behind),” he said. “But feeling like I belonged helped me in the moment.”
In a race full of tough international competitors, including Olympic medalists and World Champs finalists, this confidence was essential.
Fighting the Elements
By staying calm, Gravley was able to bounce back from his early deficit. But the race grew more difficult as it wore on, as high speed winds whipped around the course. The swimmer grinded through the elements, looking to “hold a consistent stroke line” despite the inconsistent conditions. With wild splashes of water blowing through the air, he charged to the finish for a final time of 1:57:55.10, good for seventh in the field.
“Those frequent, low-amplitude waves really throw you off rhythm,” he admitted. “Without much wave pattern, it’s very hard to keep your stroke together”.
Gravley wasn’t the only Team USA swimmer to earn a top-10 finish, as Katie Grimes finished fifth in the women’s 10K. Meanwhile, the U.S 4×1500 relay of Grimes, Claire Weinstein, Gravely and Luke Ellis won a bronze medal. For Gravley, the focus now turns to the collegiate season at Arizona State, where he hopes his Hong Kong experience will aid him in the pool.
“Every time I do an open water race, I learn something in the pool,” said Gravley. “The races help me work past mental blocks with the sheer length and difficulty of the swims.”