Getting to Know: Slovenia’s Sara Isakovic

Feature by Stefan Lackner

CLEVELAND, Mississippi, October 6. BEIJING silver medalist Sara Isakovic of Slovenia is the next person in our Getting to Know series on European swimmers. Isakovic blasted onto the international swimming map with a silver medal in the 200-meter free at the 2008 Olympics.

Country: Slovenia
Events: 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly
Birthplace: Slovenia
Height: 5-7
College: University of California
Residence: Dorm
Hobbies: Shopping
Marital Status: Single
Club: Zito Gorenjka Radovljica
Coach: Teri McKeever
Achievements:
In 2003:
* 4th place (100 free) European Junior Championships Glasgow
In 2004:
* 2x gold medalist (100 free, 200 free) European Junior Champ. Lisbon
* 18th place on 200 free at Athens Olympics (youngest Slovenian Olympian)
In 2005:
* 5th place on 200 free World Championships Montreal
* 2x silver medalist at Mediterranean Games Almeria (Spain) 200 free, 400 free
In 2006:
* 8th place on 200free European Championships Budapest, Hungary
In 2007:
* 7th place 200 fly Melbourne World Championships
In 2008:
* European Champion on 200 freestyle (Eindhoven, Holland)
* Olympic silver medalist on 200 freestyle (Beijing)

Additional Information:
Candidate for Slovenian Sportswoman of the Year 2008

How was the Olympics experience overall?
The most amazing experience in my life! Beautiful Olympic village, amazing swimming pool, interesting Chinese culture (The Great Wall) and lots of fun with friends from all over the world!

How has swimming changed your life?
Swimming is not only a great, healthy sport, but along with it you gain self discipline, great time management, confidence, and a great way of life!

Is being a professional swimmer a dream of yours?
Yes, since I was very little.

With the world getting faster in the sport, who do you see as the next big swim country after the U.S. and Australia?
China

What is your next goal?
Successfully continuing my swimming career while studying at the best public university in the world, California Berkeley.

What do you do to prepare before a race?
I visualize my race, concentrate and relax. When I jump in the pool, I enjoy competing!

What is the hardest set you've ever swum?
7x 200 butterfly

Do you ever fear losing a race?
Not at all, that is a part of every sport, from which you only gain positive experiences.

Did you ever wish to participate in another sport?
No, I was born to swim!

What would you say to a child, who is learning to swim, and is scared of the water?
Water doesn't bite! Swimming is very healthy for little kids. They can play and enjoy being in the water, while being active! If you are learning how to swim, just try to enjoy it! You will see that once you will get better, it becomes even more exciting! So don't be afraid!

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