Gutter Talk: What Has Your Previous Olympic Experience Taught You?

Kate Douglass of United States of America competes in the Women's Medley 200m Semifinal during the 20th World Aquatics Championships at the Marine Messe Hall A in Fukuoka (Japan), July 23rd, 2023.

Gutter Talk: What Has Your Previous Olympic Experience Taught You?

Because it only comes along every four years, the Olympic experience is unique. For those who have the opportunity to compete in a second Olympiad, the experience gained during that initial trip can be highly beneficial. In this edition of Gutter Talk, a handful of experienced Olympians discuss what they learned from their first trip.

KATE DOUGLASS, USA

“I was so nervous before each of my races. I remember just being so scared behind the block and freaking out, and then the race still turned out pretty good.

“I feel like now I’ve learned that I can kind of just calm down a little bit. All those nerves aren’t going to be there in the same way as they were the first time around if I was to swim at the Olympics again.”

BELLA SIMS, USA

“Going to the camp and going to Japan, it felt like a fever dream. I remember all the veterans being like, ‘Yes, you’re at the Olympics. Yes, it’s the biggest meet ever. But don’t put too much pressure on yourself because it’s supposed to be fun.’

“If you put too much pressure on yourself, it’s not going to be fun, and you’re just going to look back (with regret).

“I went to Worlds the next year, and I finally understood what they were saying!”

CASPAR CORBEAU, Netherlands

“I learned that the Games are a unique experience that only happen every four years. So it is important to enjoy and embrace the moment rather than getting hung up on the nerves and pressure.”

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