{"id":131523,"date":"2015-04-17T12:19:05","date_gmt":"2015-04-17T19:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=131523"},"modified":"2015-04-17T12:21:30","modified_gmt":"2015-04-17T19:21:30","slug":"claire-donahue-will-miss-being-a-part-of-western-kentucky-swimming-family-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/claire-donahue-will-miss-being-a-part-of-western-kentucky-swimming-family-video\/","title":{"rendered":"Claire Donahue Will Miss Being A Part of Western Kentucky Swimming Family (Emotional Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Claire Donahue spoke with the media today at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Mesa, Ariz., about a week after the Western Kentucky swimming and diving teams were suspended for five years<\/a> as a result of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct on campus. Head swimming coach Bruce Marchionda was among the coaches fired, effective June 30.<\/p>\n

Donahue, who has been a postgrad swimmer in Bowling Green since qualifying for the 2012 Olympic team in the 100 butterfly, said she will remain under Marchionda\u2019s guidance and that the two are pursuing options for a new training location. The news comes three months before Donahue is set to compete at the world championships for the United States.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very sad that I have to move away from my home, where I\u2019ve been for the past eight years,\u201d Donahue said, adding that competing this week has helped keep her mind off the news.<\/p>\n

Donahue became emotional when thinking about \u201ceverybody splitting up. This is my family, and it\u2019s hard to see it. I\u2019m glad they\u2019re getting out there and they\u2019re able to get picked up by other teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also said she was hurt by the negative comments directed toward the team, and questioned the decision to punish the women\u2019s team. Looking ahead to training for the 2016 Olympic Trials, Donahue said her support staff, which includes more than Marchionda, will still be a part of her training and she is excited for the possibilities that lie ahead.<\/p>\n

Watch the full interview in the video player below.<\/strong>
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