Lotte Friis: “I’m Still Here”

Photo Courtesy: David Farr

If Lotte Friis had a theme song to describe her journey as an elite athlete in the past year, it would be “I’m Still Here.”

The words at the end of the Stephen Sondheim-penned song might perfectly sum up the trials and tribulations the Dane faced in 2014 and 2015:

I got through all of last year
And I’m here
Lord knows, at least I’ve been there, and I’m here.
Look who’s here.
I’m still here.

Friis was on fire in 2013, winning silver medals in the 800 and 1500 freestyles at the world championships. The 1500 free was an epic race with American Katie Ledecky, in which the two shattered the existing world record that had stood since 2007. It appeared that Friis had made major gains in the first year of the Rio Olympic cycle.

In her pursuit to find the tools needed to keep her position in the world, Friis decided it was time for a change. She moved from her training base in Nice, France, shortly after the 2013 worlds to Baltimore to be a part of the growing elite squad at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. With the likes of Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt and others on the team, Friis was now part of one of the most popular clubs in the world.

But her first major international competition since making the move to the United States was not successful. Friis was fourth in the 800 free and scratched the 1500 at the 2014 European championships, prompting many to believe that the Lotte Friis of the 2013 world championships had vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Frustrated, Friis pondered returning to Denmark, especially when her funding was put in jeopardy. Under the guidance of Erik Posegay, North Baltimore’s chief distance coach, Friis appeared to be back on track with some strong in-seasons swims in the Arena Pro Swim Series this year.

Friis’ first test this week at the world championships came in the 1500 freestyle prelims, and she wasted no time in making a statement. Her 15:54.23 qualified her second for the final and put her in line for a medal.

“I had to try and go out to see how the first 500 is supposed to be tomorrow evening (in the final),” she said. “And I needed to show the girls that I’m still here. Last season wasn’t too great for me, … so I needed to show them that I’m still here and they should count on me.”

Her 15:49.00 in the final was only good enough for fourth place overall. It kept her from making some history in the event, as she was looking to win a fourth world championship medal in the event after winning in 2011 and earning silver in 2009 and 2013.

“Seeing as this is probably my last 1500, I would have loved to have gone a little bit better,” she said.

Redemption was on her mind in the 800 freestyle final tonight, where she was also looking for a fourth medal in the event. She won the world title in 2009 and picked up silver in 2011 and 2013.

Friis was in medal contention through 700 meters, but could not put forth the sprinting effort that Jaz Carlin and Jessica Ashwood put together, finishing in fifth place.

Her competitors received hugs and smiles from Friis after the race, and there was no detection of disappointment from the Dane as she finished competition at her sixth world championships.

“I don’t feel like I’m at the stage in my career where I have to prove anything to anybody,” she said. “I’m just here to race and have fun, and hopefully that will result in medals.”

Despite not winning any medals in Kazan, she’s still here. And she’ll be there next year at the Rio Olympics at age 28, ready for her final battle on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Lotte Friis Photo Gallery

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