Feature by Stefan Lackner
CLEVELAND, Mississippi, October 20. GERMANY's Thomas Lurz is next up in our Getting to Know series on European swimmers.
Country: Germany
Events: 5K, 10K and 800m free, 1500m free
Birthplace: Wuerzburg
Residence: Wuerzburg
Hobbies: Skateboarding, music, sport
Club: SV Wuerzburg 05
Coach: Stefan Lurz (Brother)
Achievements:
In 2000:
* 4th in 1500m free at Olympic Trials
In 2001:
* German champ in 5km,13th at Worlds in Fukuoka
In 2002:
* 2nd at Europeans in 5km, two-time German champ
In 2003:
* 11th in 1500m free at Worlds in Barcelona
In 2004:
* 22nd Olympic Games 1500m free; World champ in 10km.
In 2005:
* World champ in 5km and 2nd in the 10km, 2nd World University Games in Izmir in 1500m free; Swimming World Magazine Open Water Swimmer of the Year
In 2006:
* Two-time European champ in 5km and 10km and two-time World champ in 5km and 10km; Swimming World Magazine Open Water Swimmer of the Year.
In 2007:
* World champ in 5km and 2nd in 10km in Melbourne
In 2008:
* 3rd at Olympic Games in the 10km and European champ in 10km, World champ in 5km and 3rd in 10km.
International Medals:
* Six-time World champ, three-time European champ, 3rd at Olympic Games. All together 18 medals.
Sponsors:
* Arena, WVV, Deutsche Sporthilfe, Kiliansback, Radio Gong
How was the Olympics experience overall?
For me, it was very good with winning a medal in the new marathon swimming event at the Olympics. The Games are always a very special experience in life, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Was being a professional swimmer a dream of yours?
No. I came to swimming because of my older brother, Stefan. I then stayed in the sport, and found some friends. We've all been swimming together for years.
Did you ever think you would be as successful in your country as you have been?
No, I didn't think this. My parents helped me a lot. My swimming club also helped, and my brother, of course, has been coaching me for more than four years.
With the world getting faster in the sport, who do you see as the next big swim country after the U.S. and Australia?
I think it is France, Russia and Italy.
What is your next goal?
To swim the 5km and 10km open water events at Worlds next year in Rome. I will try to defend my title.
What do you do to prepare before a race?
Of course, I do a lot of kilometers in the water, and in open water, I try to gain experience in those environments. Knowing the course is very important. But, after some years, I have gotten better at it.
What is the hardest set you've ever swum?
12km test freestyle.
Do you ever fear losing a race?
No. Losing is sport is normal. When you did your best before the race and in the race when there is someone faster, then you must be a good sportsman and know that he was better.
Did you ever wish to participate in another sport?
I started to play football when I was young, but I retired from the sport after my first swimming races.
What would you say to a child, who is learning to swim, and is scared of the water?
Don't go into the seat to swim there. Just go into the swim pool. In the pool, just try to relax during swimming.