Shaine Casas dominated at the 2022 FINA World Cup Toronto stop last week.
As he heads to Indianapolis for the next World Cup stop, Casas is focused on the meet but also how his racing now plays into the bigger picture as he focuses on trying to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
His perspective is different now that he is a professional swimmer, focused even more on the sport.
“I have matured and kind of grown up. I have made some big strides physically and mentally. I definitely feel like there are good benefits that come out of changing scenery. You are uncomfortable and it helps you realize what you are not doing, and you can take that next step,” Shaine Casas said. “I had a very electric college career, and toward the end had some problems. Restarting that process as a professional, I think I have taken what I learned from college and my coaches at that time, combining it with new coaches and mentors and meshing it all together. It has formed this formula for success.”
That formula is working well. Casas claimed four victories in Toronto, winning the 200 back (1:48.99), 100 IM (51.03), 200 IM (1:50.37) and 100 back (48.84).
While he said he wasn’t necessarily surprised at his success, he is thrilled he is swimming so fast at this point of the year.
“I have had a pretty stellar performance so far. I am not too focused in on it, I am just really excited about the experience. This has been super fun for me. I kind of feel like a kid again,” Shaine Casas said. “All of these new experiences are incredible. There was not that much adversity in college. You have big team supporting you and your family. Now I am kind of on my own and this is my life. In the end, it is my decision and my will that has gotten me into this position, and that is what keeps me in the sport. Realizing that and opening my eyes to what I am doing helps me embrace it. I don’t have to be told what to do, I just do it to the best of my ability and follow the guidance I am given. I would hate to say it didn’t surprise me. I work so hard and I have confidence in myself. I am extremely competitive. I definitely have made this meet my priority, then it is on to the next one. With that approach, you can only set yourself up for success.”
Casas is enjoying the success, but also not taking things too seriously. He knows his focus is on the future and is making sure to continue to have fun as well as get faster.
“This fall is not necessarily 110% dedication. There is a balance you must find. This fall is about learning and going with the experiences. But as soon as the long-course season hits, that’s when the real focus comes in,” Shaine Casas said. “Everyone in this sport understands that long-course is the format and season that truly does matter. I want to be competitive and show out, but I understand that I can’t fully invest myself for months and years on end. Olympic trials is coming up and the time to buckle down is coming soon.”