FINIS announced Wednesday that it had signed U.S. Olympian Olivia Smoliga<\/strong> to an apparel deal. Smoliga, who finished up her collegiate career at the University of Georgia in March, finished sixth in the women\u2019s 100 back final at the Rio Olympics while also winning gold as part of the U.S. 400 medley relay.<\/p>\n

Later the same day that Smoliga\u2019s deal was announced, Swimming World<\/em> caught up with the 22-year-old from Illinois at the ASCA World Clinic in Washington, D.C. Smoliga explained why she chose FINIS and explained what the process was like of turning professional and signing her first sponsorship deal.<\/p>\n

Smoliga also re-lived this year\u2019s World Championships, where she finished fourth in the 100 back and also won two gold medals on relays. She also discussed her future in the sport and her ultimate goals for her career.<\/p>\n