FINA Junior World Championships Top Quotes: Day One

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Check out quotes and audio interviews from athletes who posted impressive performances during the first day of the 2017 FINA World Junior Championships in Indianapolis.

“I was so excited to represent Team USA, especially in the first event. I was the first swim this morning, and it was so exhilarating getting on the blocks and having everybody being so supportive and so exciting. I’m so excited to set the tone for the first night and the whole week because Team USA is going to kill it. I’m so excited.” — Andrew Abruzzo (USA), on winning gold in men’s 400 free (3:49.19) in first final of the meet

“I’ve been chasing that all season. I’ve been 3:51.0, 3:50-point. To finally get under is so awesome. I totally credit it to all my friends and my teammates on the side because I thought I was going to have to slow down, but they kept cheering.” — Abruzzo, on going under 3:50 in 400 free

“I think tying will make things interesting going into tomorrow night.” — Reece Whitley (USA), after he and teammate Michael Andrew tied for second in men’s 100 breast semi-finals (1:00.33)

“From this morning I was a bit anxious I think. Maybe it was a subconscious that ‘We’re team captains now—we’ve got to come up from the beginning and go crazy. I think I put a bit of pressure on myself… (In the semi-final) I think I was definitely more in the moment and in the now and focused on what I had to execute.” — Michael Andrew (USA), after 100 breast-semi-finals

“I actually was tearing up as Andrew was coming home. I don’t know why I was so emotional, but I was feeling it. I was so happy for Andrew and Trey (Freeman). That was such a great swim for them. I love seeing our team sitting together, being so for each other. I think that’s really special that we have. I don’t think I’ve ever been around a team that’s clicked as fast as we have.” — Grace Ariola (USA), after women’s 100 back semi-finals (qualified fifth, 1:00.39)

“I think going into the race we were all pretty confident with what times we could go. I think to come out with the gold medal and a world junior record is pretty awesome.” — Penny Oleksiak (CAN), after women’s 800 free relay (Canada won gold, 7:51.47 WJR)

“I think it’s pretty cool because all four of us train together, and we’re all super close. Just to have that team atmosphere is pretty great. Just team effort, and we all went pretty fast.” — Rebecca Smith (CAN), on 800 free relay win

“This meet is definitely my main meet because I know these girls went to Worlds, and they did well at Worlds. This is my meet to step out and show what I can do.” — Taylor Ruck (CAN), on 100 back World Junior Record in semi-finals (59.28) and 800 free relay win

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