Missy Franklin Reflects on Challenges and Looks Ahead to Olympic Trials

Jan 16, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Missy Franklin swims in the women's 200 meter back final during the 2016 Arena Pro Swim Series at Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Courtesy: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

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Olympic Trials begin in just four days, and you can bet that once again, Missy Franklin will be in the spotlight. Franklin made her first Olympic team four years ago in Omaha, Neb., in the very same building, and she went on to win four gold medals in London.

The years since have been filled with more superstar moments—including her six-gold-medal effort at the 2013 World Championships and a dominant effort at the 2015 NCAA Championships—and some rough ones, most notably at the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships where back spasms derailed her meet.

Before she heads out to Omaha, Franklin took some time to look back on the past year-and-a-half and give some insight on Olympic Trials

Swimming World: How did you try to stay focused and positive when you had such an up-and-down meet in Kazan last summer?
Missy Franklin: Last year was really a year of transition for me. From ending my collegiate career at Cal Berkeley to becoming a professional swimmer and moving back to Colorado, I experienced a lot of changes in my life. My trip to Kazan did have some highs and lows, but it was really a great learning experience overall. I didn’t necessarily have the results I wanted in some of my individual races, but each race taught me a lot about who I am as a swimmer and an athlete. Every time I get to represent the USA it is such an honor, and despite not being where I wanted to be in my races, I did I everything I could to represent my country in the best way possible, and I am very proud of that.

SW: What were you most proud of at that meet?
MF: It’s hard to pick out one specific moment from the meet in Kazan. It was really the overall experience that taught me about who I am as an athlete. A moment that really stands out to me was anchoring the mixed 400 freestyle relay. Being able to break a world record and bringing a gold medal home for the USA is always the ultimate goal and an honor.

SW: What specific moments this season have given you real confidence in your swimming going into Trials?
MF: There have been various moments here and there, from really great days at practice with Todd to my 100 back swim in Orlando. I feel the most confident when I know that I’ve given everything I have to reach my goals. I feel stronger and fitter than ever before, and I’m so excited to see what this summer has in store.

SW: How much do you pay attention to and think about people around the world—such as Emily Seebohm—and even people in the U.S. swimming really fast in your events?
MF: It’s always been important for me to swim for me and accomplish the goals I set for myself. I enjoy the competition, and I know it’ll be an exciting summer. I have such incredible competition, nationally and internationally, that push me to be better every race. However, ultimately it’s about being better than my own best.

SW: What has been most challenging about the turning pro and then moving back home?
MF: Leaving my friends and teammates back at Cal and coming back to Colorado to live with my parents was definitely challenging. I miss my friends back in California so much, but thankfully we talk all the time, and their support has never wavered. My parents have also been so great and have given me lots of space. I’m not the 18-year-old I was when I left for college, and they understand that. I’m 21 now, and our relationship has grown to reflect that as well, same goes to say of my relationship with my coach, Todd Schmitz.

SW: Are your motivations different now as a professional swimmer? What goals have been driving you this year?
MF: I swim because I love it, plain and simple. Being a “professional” swimmer has been an adjustment as there are other factors that come into play—sponsor appearances, more travel, more interviews, etc. Still, it’s about finding a balance. I’m truly lucky to have amazing partners that support me and what I do, but I swim because I love the sport. I want to be the best that I can be and make all my loved ones proud.

SW: What’s your plan to handle a meet as emotionally stressful as Olympic Trials?
MF: It’s about staying focused and making sure that you’re rested. When you go into a meet like Trials, you have to be confident that you’ve put in the work and that you’re where you need to be. It’s more of a spectacle than a swim meet. Omaha does such an amazing job and you need to take all that energy and channel it to help you perform at your best. And of course, most importantly, you need to HAVE FUN!

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