Despite the tremendous success she experienced while still in high school – winning gold at Pan Ams as a 16-year-old and just missing the Olympic team the summer before her senior year – Caitlin Leverenz needed a reality check.
When she arrived at the University of California-Berkeley as a heralded recruit her freshman year, Leverenz received a figurative yet motivational kick from Bears coach Teri McKeever.
The first woman to head coach a U.S. swim team at the Olympics this summer in London, McKeever proved to be exactly what Leverenz needed as she continued to pursue her own dream of swimming in a future Olympic Games.
Based on the past two-plus years under her tutelage, Leverenz has definitely experienced the results and continued success she was looking for.
“Teri was exactly what I needed because she took a genuine interest in me and has continuously found ways to motivate me, to push me even when I don't want to be pushed,” said Leverenz, who started swimming summer league at age 6 and year-round at 7.
“I've made great strides under Teri's guidance. She has embraced the way I need to train, and she's helped me realize things about my training and my body that have taken me to the next level.”
Leverenz found success on that next level in multiple meets this past summer, swimming at her first FINA World Championships as well as at the USA-Europe Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool.
In Shanghai at Worlds, she made the finals in both the 200 and 400 individual medley events but left with no medals, but several months later in Atlanta at the Duel, she won the 200 IM and finished second in the 400 IM. A little more than a week earlier, also in Atlanta at the AT&T Winter National Championships, she doubled-up with wins in both IM events.
Just over three years removed from what she calls a “disappointing but educational” experience at 2008 Olympic Trials – where she finished third in the 200 breaststroke and fourth in both IM events to miss making her first Olympic team – Leverenz said she feels more ready than ever to swim fast next summer in Omaha.
“Those were my first Trials, and I was pretty nervous and wasn't sure what to expect, I've definitely grown a lot since then, both as a person and as a swimmer,” who hails from Tucson, Ariz. “Looking back, it's really ok the way things happened because it was a great learning experience.
“One thing I've realized is that, for me, swimming isn't about making the Olympic team; I do it because I love the sport and I love the opportunity to swim for my country. Now, there are so many more and bigger reasons for me to swim, and that has resulted in better, faster swims.”
Now in her junior year at Cal (and the only member of her team from the junior class), Leverenz said her entire training atmosphere – swimming and competing daily alongside fellow National Team members Natalie Coughlin, Dana Vollmer and Kim Vandenberg, among many others – has benefitted her as she continues to pursue her dream.
“Working with and watching Natalie every day and seeing the perfect example of what she's worked for her whole life has been inspirational and educational,” Leverenz said. “She is at the top level of the sport and has been for many years, so to see how she takes care of her body and approaches the sport is a great example.
“Having the opportunity to ask her questions and pick her brain has been great. I've really enjoyed being friends with her.”
With Trials still several months away, Leverenz has made the rest of her NCAA season – including defending Cal's National team title – her focus. Once the season ends, she said she will swim at several Grand Prix meets leading up to Omaha next June.
In the meantime, she's just enjoying her time in the water and continuing her journey toward achieving her goal of swimming in her first Olympic Games next summer in London.
“I remember watching the 2000 Athens Olympics on TV, seeing Jenny Thompson and Lenny Krayzelburg, and wanting to be there myself someday,” Leverenz said. “Ever since I was a little kid, it's definitely been my dream and something that I've wanted my entire swimming career.
“I'm also excited about Olympic Trials and the Olympics because Teri will be the coach in London, and it would be an honor to swim with her there. I will have many teammates – past and present – with me in Omaha, and I'm excited to swim fast and enjoy the entire experience.”
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