By Andrew Jovanovic, Swimming World College Intern
The Northwestern Men’s Swimming and Diving program is no stranger to welcoming foreign swimmers from around the globe. Freshman Almog Olshtein can attest to the close-knit team that took him under their wing as he made the transition from Israel to Evanston.
Hailing from Haifa, Israel, the hulking 6-foot-3 Almog Olshtein exceeded expectations of both his teammates and coaching staff. The highly-touted Israeli national team sprinter left his mark in the individual 50 and 100 freestyles as well as four of the five relay events throughout the year.
“One of the best moments in the season was how we came together and performed at Big Tens. It was so cool to see the guys do their best and the team finish well,” Olshtein said reminiscently.
The most striking and laudable qualities Olshtein possesses have more to do with his character both in and out of the pool.
Translating the Windy City
Olshtein is a former first sargeant in the Israeli Defense Force and served in the Intelligence Department of the Israeli Army from 2012-2014. For a freshman, he comes not only with experience of an ex-military background but also from being a little older than a typical college freshman; since he was 21 upon his fall 2014 enrollment.
“The two biggest challenges I have had since coming to the States have definitely been the language and the weather,” Olshtein said.
With English being a second language for Olshtein, since Hebrew is most commonly spoken in Israel, academic life can be challenging for the broad-shouldered freshman. He is double majoring in Economics and International Studies and minoring in the Business Institutions Program in the Weinberg College of the Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University.
Photo Courtesy: Andrew Jovanovic
“Whenever I introduce myself, I have to say my name a few times,” Olshtein jokingly remarks. “Believe it or not, most people do not pronounce the ‘g’ at the end of my name!”
When told a popular saying in Chicago, “If you don’t like the weather, wait fifteen minutes,” Olshtein replies, “All I know is that it is not the same temperature in Jerusalem!” The transition from Celsius to Fahrenheit has been a challenge.
“He would wear a ski mask at the beginning of the school year when it hit 30 degrees,” recounted his roommate and fellow sprinter Nick Petersen. “Just a few months after that first frost, Almog really found out how cold it could get around Chicago!”
Many Chicagoans often have a hard time adjusting to the inevitable winter that blankets the area for what feels like nine months of the year.
An All-In Wildcat
Looking back on the season, Olshtein recalls his first few meets.
“At the first meet I went into it expecting nothing other than to take in the environment. The second dual meet gave me a new concept on competing and I loved it.”
Olshtein is looking forward to finishing up his last quarter of freshman year. Northwestern University is on the quarter system and finishes in the middle of June.
“Moving forward, I am looking to get the 50 cut to make the Israeli Olympic team in 2016. That is my swimming focus,” said Olshtein looking ahead. “But my goal every day is to be the best teammate for the team.”
Hardcore Medill F. I mean come one, you even messed up the first sentance.
plus he spelt my name wrong…
“Has been indeed a challenge” you couldn’t think of any better way to phrase that?
I think the article is great!