What It’s Like to be a First-Time Trials Qualifier

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

By Brian Honicky, Swimming World College Intern

As the 2016 Olympic Trials grow closer each day, qualifying athletes from around the country are getting in their last minute preparations and fine-tuning their strokes. When the day comes, they all know that an opportunity to swim at a meet like this only comes once every four years. For many, this will be the biggest swimming venue that they’ll compete at in their entire lives, for others, this could be the start of a long, successful Olympic career.

Sixteen-year-old University of North Carolina commit, Erica Wirth, will be making the trip to Omaha for the first time. She will be representing the Berkeley Aquatic Club of New Jersey along with a few other first-time trials qualifiers. Wirth gave some interesting insight on training, taper, and how it feels to be an Olympic Trials rookie.

Jul 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chantal Van Landeghem of Canada (left) finishes ahead of Natalie Coughlin of the United States (middle) and Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace of the Bahamas (right) in the women's 100m freestyle swimming 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

Swimming World: At what meet and in which events did you qualify for trials?

Erica Wirth: I qualified at the Long Course Senior Zones Championship meet in Buffalo, New York in the 800 freestyle.

How did it feel when you first qualified for trials?

Qualifying for Olympic Trials has been a dream come true. There is no better feeling than going to practice everyday with a set goal in mind and being able to achieve it at the end of the season.

I’m sure the past few weeks have been integral to your training. How has your training changed/how will it change over the next few weeks in preparation for the meet?

As Olympic Trials approaches, I will start to taper. Practices will become more focused on pace and quality rather than yardage. This gives me a chance to physically and mentally prepare myself for the meet.

Is taper season for Olympic Trials different in any ways than other tapers you have done in the past? What types of things are you focusing on in the water?

I will be tapering the same way I have for meets in the past, the only difference being that I have never been to a meet like Olympic Trials before!

Do you train one on one with your coach for a meet like Trials? Do you have training partners or other members of your team who have qualified?

I will continue to train with my entire team throughout my taper. I will be traveling to Trials with my teammates and training partners, Claire O’Mara and Erin Barry. Claire O’Mara qualified in the 200 freestyle and Erin Barry qualified in the 200 breaststroke. Training with them helps to keep me motivated and on track during my taper.

Photo Courtesy: Tori Bursell

What goals have you set for the meet? Is there anything specific that you hope to accomplish?

Going into trials, my main goal is to remain focused and try to improve my time in the 800 freestyle. I’m excited to experience racing in Omaha!

How does your mental strategy change when preparing for a meet as big as Olympic Trials?

My mental strategy typically remains the same for every meet. I just try to focus on the race and trust in the work I have put in during the season.

What has been the most difficult part about your preparation? Training? Mental prep?

The most difficult part of preparing for Olympic Trials has been not knowing what to expect. The mental preparation has been tough because I’ve never competed at a meet like this before. Finding the right balance between excitement and nerves has been challenge.

What is different about Olympic Trials than any other meet? What makes qualifying for this meet so special to you?

Olympic Trials is a chance to represent the United States at the Olympics. I will never forget the opportunity to compete with some of the greatest athletes in the world!

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