Louise Hansson: The Best of Both Worlds
By David Rieder
Swedish swimmer Louise Hansson never envisioned herself swimming in college in the United States. But as she prepares for this month’s women’s NCAAs, the University of Southern California senior says that moving to the U.S. was the best thing she’s ever done.
At her first Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Louise Hansson swam relays, two of which advanced to the Olympic final. Afterward, Hansson returned home to Helsingborg, Sweden—for just 48 hours. Immediately, she flew back across the Atlantic Ocean to Los Angeles, where she arrived at the University of Southern California for her freshman year. Before that, Hansson had never visited USC—either before or after committing to swim for the Trojans—and she had missed the team’s welcome week while competing in Rio.
Before she came to the U.S. and became a national champion, Hansson knew little about college swimming or short course yards. Growing up, she just knew she wanted no part of it.
“When I was younger, I would be like, ‘No, I’m never moving to the U.S.,’” Hansson said. “I had a few friends going to college because I was the youngest on my club team at home in Sweden. I was like, ‘No way, I’m not going.’ As I grew older, people really loved it, and I was like, ‘OK, maybe I should check this out.’”
Thinking back on her almost four seasons swimming at USC, Hansson said, “I would say that moving here and swimming in college has probably been the best thing I have ever chosen to do because I’ve grown so much as a person.” A moment later, she added, “But as a swimmer, I’ve grown even more.”
NCAA racing forced Hansson to be at the top of her game against tough competition week after week, an experience she never would have had back home in Sweden. “There’s always going to be someone really quick that you will have to step up and race…and you just have to go for it. I think that really has helped me grow in my confidence in myself as a swimmer.”
To read more about Louise Hansson,
Check out the March issue of Swimming World Magazine, available now!
[ PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]
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FEATURES
016 CATCH CAL IF YOU CAN!
by Dan D’Addona
With all their firepower and depth, Cal’s Golden Bears will be extremely difficult to catch at this year’s men’s Division I NCAAs.
020 MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
by Dan D’Addona
That’s what Stanford’s swimmers could be saying to each other, as the Cardinal appear to have what it takes to win their fourth straight women’s NCAA championship!
023 THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
by David Rieder
Swedish swimmer Louise Hansson never envisioned herself swimming in college in the United States. But as she prepares for this month’s women’s NCAAs, the University of Southern California senior says that moving to the U.S. was the best thing she’s ever done.
026 TAKEOFF TO TOKYO: “WE WILL SMASH THEM LIKE GUITARS”
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040 Q&A WITH COACH BILLY DOUGHTY
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043 HOW THEY TRAIN LUCA URLANDO
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046 GUTTERTALK