6 Reasons to Love Olympian Katie Meili

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Kennedy Cutler, Swimming World College Intern

With just over two weeks left until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, there’s someone who’s been having quite a run in the swimming-sphere in the last year and a half. Katie Meili, who finished second at the United States Olympic Team Trials in the women’s 100 meter breaststroke just a few weeks ago, is one of 30 rookie Olympians who will be representing Team USA in the pool in Rio.

Here are some fun facts about Meili that make her an all-around lovable person and will make you want to get behind her lane when the starting beep goes off…

1. Social media presence.

Photo Courtesy: Katie Meili

Meili has her own blog where she accounts some of her experiences, including national and international level meets she’s participated in, and some more laid-back adventures with family and friends. While the entries on her blog are only occasional, she has a more active presence found on both Twitter and Instagram. No matter how you choose to follow her, you’ll find yourself with a preview of her life.

2. Teammates with past and present Olympians.

Jul 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kelsi Worrell , Katie Meili and Natalie Coughlin of the United States celebrate after winning the women's swimming 4x100m medley final during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Pan Am Aquatics UTS Centre and Field House. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports Images

Meili is a member of SwimMac Team Elite, which is the home of Olympic greats such as Ryan Lochte, Kara Lynn Joyce and Cullen Jones.. Her teammates have always been loved for their contributions to Team USA and have been popular with the fans, so it only makes sense that Meili will be as well. It’s a common thought that it is the team that makes the swimmer after all.

3. Animal lover.

It looks like Boo is a big sister! Welcome to the fam, Ford! ?? #germanshorthairedpointer

A photo posted by Katie Meili (@katiemeili) on Jul 10, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

Who doesn’t love someone who loves animals? Meili is an animal lover and proud parent of a cat named Boo, and a recently adopted puppy named Ford. Though her puppy is relatively new to the family, before long followers are sure to see posts about him on her Instagram, as she posts photos of Boo and the pets of friends and family quite often.

4. Infectious smile.

katie-meili-usa-swimming-nationals-2015 (2)

Photo Courtesy: Sue Borst

When looking at Meili smiling, it’s hard not to start smiling yourself. She constantly appears to be genuinely happy and loving the sport of swimming. While you see most athletes with a serious expression while getting up behind the blocks in preparation for their race, Meili spares a smile when her name is called. And honestly, who can’t love a smile like that?

5. Graduate of Columbia University.

Got a chance to work with the kids on NYC Lions today. There are some fast future swimmers here!

A photo posted by Katie Meili (@katiemeili) on Oct 20, 2013 at 10:26am PDT

Meili graduated with a degree in psychology from Columbia University in 2013. She represented Columbia at the NCAA meet in both 2012 and 2013. This actually makes her one of the older rookies headed into the 2016 Games, alongside teammates who are still in college. Meili is raising the bar on what kind of potential can be unlocked beyond those college years.

6. She is a book lover.

Photo Courtesy: Abhi Sharma

Between big meets and adventures, everyone needs a little downtime. Meili not only loves a good book, but is also a fan of Lord of the Rings and an avid watcher of Game of Thrones. Just like the characters of those epics, we’re sure to see Meili be the heroine of her own story in the coming weeks down in Rio.

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Cynthia Granata

7 years ago

Caitlin Jokubaitis. Yay, Columbia Lions; good luck in Rio, Katie!!!

SHERYL BARTOS

7 years ago

“Katie goes to Rio” You got this Katie. The Bartos clan is behind you all the way.

Dana Hakes

7 years ago

A beautiful person inside and outside!!! Go for the Gold in Rio!!!

Paul Murphy

7 years ago

Always so proud of her!

Joanie Ruppel

7 years ago

I am a proud supporter from your Nolan Catholic alumni family and have been an USOC supporter and fan for 40 years. Great combination – thank you, we will have our eyes glued on you!

Mabel Eng

7 years ago

We are SOOOO excited for you Katie! You should be able to hear all of us screaming & cheering for you all the way down in Rio.
GO KATIE GO!!!