Representing the US at the World University Games!
Based on my performances at the Toyota National Championships, I have been selected to represent the US at the World University Games in Berlin, Germany!
Read on to hear all about the week of racing that was Nationals and the subsequent “retaper”.
Looking to directly support me?
If you place an order at TallSlim Tees using my referral link, I will receive a commission. You can also get a 15% discount on your order by using my code: JACK15.
Get 25% off at Elsmore Swim Shop by using my code: JACK25.
Excludes Mizuno, Birkenstock, clearance or sale items, team page product, gift cards and Jolyn. Cannot be combined with other discounts and offers.
All pictures of Violet brought to you by Victoria Veterinary Hospital
What’s Happening?
Toyota National Championships
Nationals ran from June 2nd to June 7th in Indianapolis, Indiana. I kicked off the meet in spectacular fashion, swimming a new PB in the 200m butterfly. In prelims, I chased down Olympian Thomas Heilman on the final 50 to win the second circle-seeded heat in 1:55.18. That swim lopped 0.47 off my best time from last summer and has me ranked 10th in the world! I added in finals and placed 7th. My time from the morning would have placed 4th. I have shown that I am capable of going best times in the morning and qualifying for the big heat, but am still working on repeating those performance at night! The next day in the 200m freestyle, I went another massive PB with a 1:46.58. Unfortunately, that placed me 12th going into finals due to a historically fast field (that time would’ve put me in the final last summer at the Olympic Trials). My previous best time of 1:46.92 was from the summer of 2022, so it was reassuring to finally beat that. I held my 12th place in the consolation final.
I got another crack at a championship final the next day when I placed 8th in the 100m fly with a 52.15, only 0.13 away from my best. At night, I felt amazing and was swimming fast, but mistimed my turn and lost a lot of momentum. I still went 52.24 for 8th, but I know I could’ve done much better with a cleaner turn. The 4th day of the meet saw me entered in the 100m backstroke. I hadn’t competed in this event tapered since 2023 and my PB was from 2022, so I knew a big best time was coming. I dropped 0.59 to go a 54.50 and qualify 13th into the consolation final. All of the racing caught up with me in the evening session and I added to finish 16th. On the final day of racing, I competed in the 50m free. I was just off my PB in the morning and tied with Olympian Ryan Held for 24th with a 22.68. I was looking forward to a swim-off with him, but he scratched! I went on to add a few tenths in the bonus final to place 24th. I raced every session (excluding the midday distance sessions on days 1 and 5, haha), which is an accomplishment on its own! I am pleased with how I performed and am hungry for more.
Retapering
With the World University Games on the horizon, I had to go back up in volume and intensity for a couple weeks to establish a new baseline for the retaper. That can be difficult to do right after a meet, but once I got back into my groove with doubles and lifting, it was business as usual. However, it did take most of the first week to get back into the right mental headspace. I have enjoyed some outdoor practices in the sun that have helped me rejuvenate for another big week of racing in Germany. I also spoke about my story at the Mizzou camps. Passing on my knowledge to the next generation is a wonderful way to fill my cup.
A full month without travel?
When I got back to Columbia, MO after Nationals, I found comfort in knowing I wouldn’t have any travel for at least a full month. Having consistency leading up to WUGs will serve me well, even though I do love experiencing what our world has to offer. It’s also prudent to show my face around the office at my work, hah! Not being able to be out on the lake in Northern Minnesota for Independence Day pains me, but you have to make sacrifices in the pursuit of your dreams sometimes.
Looking Ahead
Before flying out to Berlin, I will do a quick tune up racing an event or two locally in CoMo at Speedo Sectionals July 9th-12th.
The company I work for, Counsilman-Hunsaker, designed the pool Nationals were held at! C-H also designed MizzouRec where I (mostly) train. Shoutout to the team for cheering me on during the competition.
Available Opportunities
If you're interested in working with me for sponsorships, speaking engagements, or other partnerships, contact me here!
