By Sam Skopp
Local swimmer Jordan Wilimovsky has become the first American to ever make two U.S. Olympic swimming teams in the same games, qualifying for both open water and pool events. On Saturday, July 9, Wilimovsky fielded questions and signed autographs at the Santa Monica College (SMC) Swim Center, before leaving to train with the U.S. team for the upcoming Rio Olympics.
Although the dozens present to meet the swimmer included fans from across the community, the majority of those interested in Wilimovsky’s swimming career were children, many of whom were swimmers themselves; asking specific questions about his practice routines and eating habits.
“Swimming is like anything else: you’re not going to wake up one day and be great at it,” Wilimovsky said in response to a fan’s question.
In fact, according to county lifeguard captain Kenichi Haskett, Wilimovsky failed his initial swimming test when applying to join Santa Monica’s Junior Lifeguard program. It wasn’t until four years later that he began to shine, during a race from Will Rogers State Beach around Santa Monica Pier, which he won by 15 minutes.
“We’re the only program that gives a pre-test due to strenuous conditions,” explained Eldin Onsgard, who has been a lifeguard at Will Rogers State Beach for 27 years. The rigor of the program has clearly paid off for Wilimovsky.
During the Q&A at SMC, Wilimobsky was accompanied by Team Santa Monica Head Coach and U.S. Olympic Team Assistant Coach Dave Kelsheimer, who added to Wilimovsky’s answers where the athlete was otherwise humble, explaining that Michael Phelps was impressed by how hard Wilimovsky works, for example.
Thanks to the casual nature of the event, aspiring Olympians and devoted fans alike were all given the opportunity to hear directly from a Santa Monica local whose hard work has now given him the chance to go for the gold.
To follow Wilimovsky’s Rio journey head to Twitter: @j_wilimovsky.
