Assignment Europe: Chasing Therese Alshammar – Part 2

Feature by Steven V. Selthoffer, Senior European Columnist

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 14. THERESE Alshammar, SWE, sports a small tattoo "DIVA" on her lower back, centerd, just above the tan line. With curves and speed akin to a Porsche 911 Turbo, maybe it should be termed a "rear license plate."

Alshammar continues her Swimming World interview with some words of wisdom for younger swimmers and in Part 2, the double Olympic silver medalist, bronze medalist, and multiple world-record holder, slips and errors, revealing the top secret Swedish method used by her parents to motivate young 10-year-old girls in competitions: kittens!

For Part 1 of the Alshammar interview, click here.

The Interview
SW: Therese Alshammar is a global icon. Is it easy living with that recognition? Does it interfere with training?

Therese: I don't look at myself in that way. So, no. Sometimes you need to take special precautions when you are in the public eye, so I make sure I lead by example now.

SW: Among your competitors, you are one of the most liked, and respected athletes in sport. What advice would you give younger swimmers emerging on the scene?

Therese: To have fun. Enjoy the ups and downs- but, treat them both the same, and always follow your heart.

Set the long and short term goals but make sure everyday is good enough to make anything (you did) worth it.

When you're younger, it's also important to learn to differentiate between your performance and you as a person. Both for your own sake, but also for your teammate's sake.

SW: Is it all about swimming? Or developing a career? Or both? Or what?

Therese: It's been both. But, I have looked for a career outside of swimming (interior design/ running a clothing shop/marketing/writing and more in the last 10 years). I felt I had to do more than just swim.

Lately, I have realized that my career outside of the pool can wait and I'm very happy "only" swimming right now. Swimming is hard work!

Personal Goals
SW: When you stop swimming, what do you think your direction will be?

Therese: I think and hope to have a future in swimming. And, I hope to be able to spend more time being creative, whether it be on a surfboard or in a workshop.

SW: What business would you like to focus on?

Therese: There are too many choices right now, I look forward to it and will cross that bridge when I get there.

Parents and Family
SW: Your parents must have done something right. How did they raise you and how has that affected your athletic career?

Therese: My parents where both very active in sports and enrolled me in many different activities from an early age. At 10 years old, I had to make a choice. The different sports started to overlap, and demanded more and more time.

My mother was an Olympic swimmer and also my first swim teacher. So, she quickly became my role model. My choice at 10 was easy. Swimming!

I had great friends and I really enjoyed it. However, I was far from successful as a child. One of the things I really appreciate about my parents was that my parents never forced training on me or told me what to do. They where just very supportive and made sure I had a good time.

SW: What did they do right that other parents should know?

Therese: They let me try different things. They taught me that I could do whatever I wanted to do and they always encouraged me and pushed me on. Sometimes with promises of kittens and sometimes with achievement-based gifts. But, all with great love! They also never pressured me or talked about achievements at home.

Personal Interests
SW: What floats your boat? When you dry your hair, get dressed and walk away from the pool in Sydney, what are your interests outside the pool doors?

Therese: I like design, both industrial and fashion design to keep me visually entertained. Good food, friends and family are a big part of my life.

A big breakfast and a good espresso is the highlight of any day, And, if I haven't gone too hard in the pool, a surf, or a swim in the ocean is great.

I also enjoy lots of movies, both independent ones and some blockbusters.

Apres Swimming
SW: Where do you live in Sydney and what's your favorite place for dinner there? Have you ever taken a water taxi to Doyles at Watson's Bay?

Therese: I stay in Surry Hills in Sydney and love it. It's close enough to both the beach and the City, with lots of great restaurants around.

The first restaurant I fell in love with in Sydney was Longgrain. So that holds a special place in my heart. But, now I've been to so many great ones it's hard to pick just one.

Watson's Bay is on my list- especially in the way you described it- by water taxi! A friend of mine lives in Rose Bay and we have decided to do it. I just need to find a good whole day for it!

My favorite breakfast place is "Flat White" in Woolhara, and Zoe's in Surry Hills. See! I can't even name just one there! And, there are so many great Vietnamese, Italian and Japanese restaurants around I feel I have to keep living here for years to be able to enjoy them all!

After the Athletic Career
SW: There is a saying in our family, noblese oblige. Many athletes support a number of charities. Is there any particular global problem, UN work or interest you have and would like to use your position and celebrity status to work in charities for? Now or in the future?

Therese: I have been involved in a number of organizations in Sweden, One of which helps raise awareness of bullying amongst children (BRIS). Which I think is always a current issue and bringing diversities to light is important.

I've designed a water bottle which was a big part of a major Swedish hotel chain's (Scandic) initiative to reduce carbon oxide and start bottling their own filtered water (instead of shipping and buying bulk plastic bottles). The profits from the glass water bottles went into an environmental sustainability fund, with a grant given out each year to companies that initiate green programs and operate in an environmentally conscience manner.

I have donated my time to other projects regarding the environment. I think it's an everyday responsibility to save water, energy and to think about our future.

SW: Last question. With all your travelling, where do you like to spend the most time?

Therese: I do love to travel. But, coming home to my mother's house in Stockholm, Sweden, is always great. Not that it's ever for that long, but it's very grounding and joyful to see my family!

I have two younger sisters that I have a great time with and miss very much when I don't see them. Otherwise, I love spending time here in Sydney where everything is pretty amazing!

SW: All the best to you, your coaches Grant Stoelwinder and Johan Wallberg, and Geoff Huegill, Matt Abood, Eamon Sullivan, Andrew Lauterstein, Andrew Abood and Mitch Patterson. And to everyone up there in Team Sweden. See you soon.

Therese: Thanks a million for your interest and time Steve. G'day to Brent and the team at Swimming World Magazine for me and to my friends in the USA.

The espresso was really good. Look, I think it's time for a walk on the beach and maybe to go for a surf later…Thanks so much. Got to run! Bye!

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