Swimming World Presents “Up & Comers: Natalie Mannion”

Natalie Mannion

Age Group Swimmer of the Month
Up & Comers: Natalie Mannion

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Many young swimmers set goals of attending high-profile meets, but few qualify for them when they’re 14 years old! Natalie Mannion of the Commonwealth Current (New England Swimming) was one of the youngest swimmers at the 2018 U.S. summer nationals and recently earned her Olympic Trials cut in the 100 meter back with a 1:02.30.

Mannion ranks high on USA Swimming’s Top 100 all-time list for 13-14 girls, ranging from 18th in the 200 meter back to 36th in the 100 yard back. In between, she has an additional long course ranking (100 back, 21st) and four more short course top times (200-500 free, 19th, 28th; 200 back, 19th; and 200 IM, 25th).

“At meets, Natalie puts her racing first,” says Commonwealth head coach Chris Sheppard. “She is diligent about all the aspects needed to be competitive, and does a great job of taking care of herself between races, sessions and days so she can continue to (be her best) throughout the entire meet. “Natalie is also a great teammate, showing up at meets in which she is not competing just so she can cheer them on.”

Outside of the pool, Mannion enjoys horseback riding and SCUBA diving. She is an avid animal lover and enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, three cats, rabbit, two parakeets and chinchilla.

To see Up & Comer Natalie Mannion’s full interview,
check out the April 2019 issue of Swimming World Magazine, available now!

Swimming World subscribers can download this issue in the Swimming World Vault!

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FEATURES

016 2018 TOP 12 WORLD MASTERS SWIMMERS OF THE YEAR
by Dan D’Addona, David Rieder and Taylor Brien

022 A CUT ABOVE THE REST
by Michael Randazzo
Despite Jovan Vavic’s stunning eviction from Troy, USC and Stanford remain the teams to beat at this year’s NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championships in May. The Trojans beat the Cardinal 5-4 last year at their home pool, but Stanford will play host to the NCAA’s top teams in 2019. In the past nine years, Stanford has captured five national titles, with USC winning four—including two of the last three.

026 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
by Michael Randazzo
Paola Dominguez-Castro, a high school junior living in Hialeah, Fla.—and considered one of the most impressive young water polo talents in the country—has the opportunity to break free of the environment that has both sustained and developed that talent, and become an example for others who might aspire to greater success.

030 THE GREATEST SWIM IN HISTORY
by Bruce Wigo
At the 1965 AAU Short Course Nationals, a capacity crowd of 3,000 thought they had just seen “the greatest swim in history.” They cheered wildly for FIVE MINUTES after Steve Clark had broken the 46-second barrier in the 100 yard freestyle with a 45.6. After watching Caeleb Dressel’s three barrier-breaking swims at last year’s NCAAs—and believing that Dressel can swim even faster—Clark, now 75, believes “the greatest swim in history has yet to happen.”

034 NUTRITION: AROUND THE TABLE WITH MICHIGAN LAKESHORE AQUATICS
by Dan D’Addona and Dawn Weatherwax

COACHING

010 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: TAMAS SZECHY
by Michael J. Stott

014 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: CONDITIONING TO OPTIMIZE TECHNIQUE (Part 1)
by Rod Havriluk

038 WHAT COACHES CAN LEARN FROM SWIMMERS (Part 2)
by Michael J. Stott
This is the second of a two-part series in which Swimming World shares epiphanies from coaches whose athletes fundamentally altered their coaching philosophy. Last month’s article dealt with the individuality of swimmers. This month, coaches discuss the importance of feedback.

040 SPECIAL SETS: IM TRANSITION SETS
by Michael J. Stott
Ken Heis, head coach of the Mason (Ohio) Manta Rays, has a studied approach to IM training, honed by experimentation and experience. Here the four-time Ohio Swimming Coach of the Year shares some sample IM transition sets.

043 Q&A WITH COACH ADAM EPSTEIN
by Michael J. Stott

044 HOW THEY TRAIN :LUKAS MACEK
by Michael J. Stott

TRAINING

013 DRYSIDE TRAINING: EXERCISE EQUIPMENT SERIES—TRX SUSPENSION STRAPS
by J.R. Rosania

JUNIOR SWIMMER

036 GOLDMINDS: LESSONS ABOUT LOSING
by Wayne Goldsmith

046 UP & COMERS: NATALIE MANNION
by Taylor Brien

COLUMNS

008 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT

009 BEYOND THE YARDS

025 MOMS AT MEETS

029 DID YOU KNOW? ISHOF/MASTERS HALL OF FAMERS

047 GUTTER TALK

048 PARTING SHOT

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Jessica Mack
4 years ago

Chris Sheppard ???

Chris Sheppard
4 years ago
Reply to  Jessica Mack

Jessica Mack oh hey, look at that!

Jessica Mack
4 years ago
Reply to  Jessica Mack

Chris Sheppard congrats to you and Nat. So proud of you two!

Kathy Allman
4 years ago

Natalie is gracious, humble and fierce!!! So exciting to watch swim! Wishing all the best for her!!

Chuck Batchelor
4 years ago

Congratulations Chris and Natalie!

Mike Murray
4 years ago

Awesome Chris Sheppard

Teresa Desmarais Smith

Congratulations to Natalie!! So proud to call you my daughter’s friend!!

Jesup Szatkowski
4 years ago

Ata way Current!

Autumn Hanson
Autumn Hanson
4 years ago

I’ve had the pleasure to watch her race in Indy last December. She is a fierce competitor and a humble winner. My daughter got to race right next to her in finals and was amazed by her races!!

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