Getting to Know: Slovenia’s Peter Mankoc

Feature by Stefan Lackner

CLEVELAND, Mississippi, October 9. SLOVENIA's Peter Mankoc is next up in our Getting to Know series on European swimmers.

Country: Slovenia
Events: 100 IM, 100 butterfly
Birthplace: Ljubljana
Height: 6-3
Residence: Ljubljana
Hobbies: Computer, movies, beach volleyball, basketball
Club: Swimming Club ILIRIJA
Coach: Dr. Dimitri Mancevic
Achievements:
In 2000:
* 1st 100m IM, 3rd 200m IM Europeans SC; 17th 200m IM Olympics
In 2001:
* 1st 100m IM (WR: 52.63), 1st 200m IM, 3rd 50m back Europeans SC
In 2002:
* 1st 100m IM, 2nd 200m IM World championship SC; 1st 100m IM, 3rd 200m IM Europeans SC
In 2003:
* 1st 100m IM, 3rd 200m IM Europeans SC
In 2004:
* 1st 100m IM, 3rd 100m Butterfly World championship SC; 1st 100m IM Europeans SC; 13th 100m Freestyle Olympics
In 2005:
* 1st 100m IM, 3rd 100m Butterfly Europeans SC
In 2006:
* 2nd 100m IM World championship; 1st 100m IM, 2nd 100m Butterfly Europeans SC
In 2007:
* 1st 100m IM, 3rd 100m Butterfly Europeans SC
In 2008:
* 1st 100m Butterfly, 2nd 100m IM (ER: 52.21) World championship; 2nd 100m Butterfly Europeans LC; 10th 100m Butterfly Olympics

International Medals:
* (9G, 2S, 6B) European SC championship, (3G, 3S, 1B) World SC championship, (1S) European LC championship

Additional Information:
* Swimmer of the Year in Slovenia: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007

How was the Olympics experience overall?
Well, considering that I suffered a big shoulder injury in June, I am very happy with my time of 51.24 in the 100 fly. But, I made mistakes in semifinals.

Was being a professional swimmer a dream of yours?
I got hooked on the sport when I was nine, and went for a few national group records. Ever since, this is what I've wanted to do.

Did you ever think you would be as successful in your country as you have been?
I wanted to be the best, but to be at the top for so long is something I never could have imagined.

With the world getting faster in the sport, who do you see as the next big swim country after the U.S. and Australia?
Well, China has the most swimmers, but I think France is doing a very good job.

What is your next goal?
I will try to win my ninth consecutive title in the 100 IM at Europeans in December. I will also try to set European records in the 100 fly and 100 IM over the short course.

What do you do to prepare before a race?
Basically, I try to relax and visualize my race. Just try to get in a racing mode.

What is the hardest set you've ever swum?
So many, I could write about it until tomorrow if I tried.

Do you ever fear losing a race?
I don't, but sometimes fear is good. It gets you going.

Did you ever wish to participate in another sport?
No. I am satisfied if I did the best I could. If I win, it is just a bonus.

What would you say to a child, who is learning to swim, and is scared of the water?
Water is your friend. If you treat it with respect, it will do you good. Swimming is also the best sport in the world. Swimming can be fun, and it can save your life.

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