Olivia Smoliga Thankful to Compete Near Home; Sees ASU Training Group as a Family<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last weekend, USA Swimming held its latest TYR Pro Series stop in Westmont, Illinois. The competition was not just a chance for Olivia<\/strong> Smoliga<\/strong> to get in some racing ahead of this summer’s United States Olympic Trials in Indianapolis, but to also race near home. Smoliga was born in Glenview, Illinois, and had the chance to interact with her family and coaches she has met through the years. Support for the Team USA veteran was evident throughout the meet.<\/p>\n

Now training at Arizona State University, Smoliga indicated during an interview that she felt constant support from her teammates in the desert. Although the swimmers have individual goals, they celebrate the successes of one another and that bond has been a huge help heading toward a key summer.<\/p>\n

A two-time Olympian and two-time medalist at the Games, Smoliga will pursue a trip to Paris in three months. Her primary opportunities to qualify for a third Olympics will come in the 100-backstroke and 100 freestyle. The freestyle event offers additional slots for the 400 freestyle relay.<\/p>\n

Here is an interview with Smoliga from last week’s Pro Series meet in Westmont.<\/p>\n