The USA Swimming Open Water nationals are less than 3 weeks away and this time around we’re getting some insight into the discipline from Olympian Alex Meyer. Alex has shown strength, smarts and determination (not to mention some humor) in his pursuit of open water swimming greatness and we’re psyched to find out what makes OWS special in his mind.
1. What differentiates an Open Water Nationals from pool nationals (aside from the fact that it’s open water)? Well there’s only one selection event (this year) and it’s a timed final!
2. Do you think there’s a different bond amongst open water swimmers? I think so, in part because we’re a smaller group and in part because what we do is do different from the pool events. We’re definitely a tight-knit group.
3. Do you think open water swimming is changing? If so, in what ways? Yes, and it is exciting to see open water grow and become more competitive. I think people are beginning to realize that pool and open water swimming are not two totally separate camps, and a lot of traditionally pool distance swimmers are beginning to cross over into open water and have success.
4. We all saw the prank you played on the group out at the Crippen Cup with the alligator head. Do you have any other pranks you’ve seen or pulled in the open water? I wouldn’t know anything about that…
5. What are some of the songs your pump up playlist? Music is a very important part of my life, but honestly I don’t really listen to music before races. I try to relax and feel calm and confident in the moment and in the race setting. I find that music takes me out of that zone and into a different little universe, and it’s sometimes hard to come back to reality after you take the headphones off.
5. Racing 5K, 10K and 25K is intense. How do you stay motivated between races? The things that motivate me are always present – it doesn’t matter whether I’m in training or on a break or between races.
6. Do you every wish you were a sprinter? No way! All that training to race for 20 seconds? At least that’s what I tell myself. Who am I kidding…yeah being a sprinter would probably be pretty nice. But I love racing, and I love the drama and excitement of a good race unfolding over time. I love the stories that come out of every race. There’s no time for that in a 50 or 100. So while I may occasionally during hard workouts wish I was a sprinter, I’m glad I’m not.
7. Who’s your favorite open water swimmer? Um…me?
8. What do you want people to know about open water swimming? That it’s really fun, and there’s probably a race in your area this weekend.