Kasia Wasick flew all the way from Poland to Fort Lauderdale for the TYR Pro Swim Series stop.
While many athletes use the series to develop multiple events, try doubles and gauge where they stand in several races, Wasick was there to race.
In fact, she flew all the way from Poland for less than 25 seconds.
Wasick, the reigning world championship silver medalist in the 50 freestyle (short course and long course), swam just the 50 on the final day of the meet. She finished in 24.68, second place behind Abbey Weitzeil.
“I am really happy. This is the beginning of the season. I raced last week in Poland and went about the same time,” Kasia Wasick said. “I took some time off after Worlds in Australia. I wanted to give my body a break because it is going to be a busy year. It is always fun racing Abbey. I was really happy I could be here.”
So why fly all the way to Fort Lauderdale for a 50 free?
“It is always great to race the best in the world and Abbey is the best. I came to race fast people. It was worth it and a great lesson for me,” she said.
And what did she do to keep loose after a flight from Europe with a couple days before swimming a 50?
“I just went to the beach and drank coconut water,” Kasia Wasick said with a laugh. “That is a sprinter recovery. I enjoyed my time, got some sun. The weather is perfect here. I am definitely amazed by the facility. This was an amazing pool and it was great to open the season here.”
Wasick, who has made multiple Olympic teams for Poland, retired, then made a stellar comeback, lives and trains in Las Vegas, where she is headed once again.
“I am going back to Las Vegas and train until world championships. Now it is going back to hard work,” she said.
And why keep up all of this travel for races of 25 seconds all over the world?
“It is the people. I love my teammates. I love all the swimmers and love traveling with my husband,” Kasia Wasick said. “I love seeing my family. We have a lot of fun.
“I have everything because of swimming. It is really fun to be able to keep going and keep improving. I still learn a lot about swimming and my body. It is a fun process.”
And though short, it got results.
I am so happy that you are able to experience this amazing life of swimming on the international level. You are surely among the very fastest female swimmers in the entire world. I’m very grateful to be one of your many fans.