By Peter Baugh, Swimming World College Intern
With NCAA Championships and Olympic Trials around the corner, some of the nation’s fastest swimmers competed at the Southeastern Conference Championships in Columbia, Missouri Feb. 16-20. A number of swimmers talked to the media after their races.
Here’s what they had to say going into NCAAs and the Olympic summer:
“I think I’m right where I should be … we’re on the right track.”
Caeleb Dressel, Florida
Photo Courtesy: Sue Borst
“(Canadian Olympic) Trials are in about eight weeks, so this is crunch time. I don’t have any goals for the Olympics right now, I’m just working towards Olympic Trials and seeing what I can do long course meters. The way training has been going, I’m really excited about it. I think it’s going to be really good, I’ve just got to stay healthy and stay fit.”
Brittany MacLean, Georgia
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
“I know that my preparation towards NCAAs is going really well.”
Joe Patching, Auburn
Photo Courtesy: Ashley Ward/Auburn Athletics
“Anything is within the realm of possibility (at NCAA Championships). We were 11th last year, I think top ten is the first thing to crack, because we’ve never even done that. Once we get under that, I think anything is possible.”
Michael Chadwick, Missouri
Photo Courtesy: Andy Ringgold
“I think we have a shot at breaking into the top three for the first time as a team (at NCAAs). It would be amazing to be a part of, and I think we’ve got a lot of girls on the team who have a shot at being potentially individual champions.”
Sarah Gibson, Texas A&M
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
“I’ve got to take each day at a time, and this is just a day in the process.”
Hali Flickinger, Georgia
Photo Courtesy: Griffin Scott
“My senior year has been a very special one. I’ve gotten to know a lot of cool people.”
Natalie Hinds, Florida
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
“I almost had the team record in (the 200 IM), so I’m definitely going to have my sights set on that going into NCAAs. Sights on maybe top eight and just see how fast we can go for the team.”
Lisa Bratton, Texas A&M
Photo Courtesy: Griffin Scott