Q and A with Olympian Jeff Rouse

Swimmer Jeff Rouse, multiple Olympic Gold Medalist and Swimming World Record setter, took some time to answer some questions about swimming - and life - that could help other swimmers.

1. Without giving away anything that might put you at a competitive disadvantage: What are your swimming strengths? What are your swimming weaknesses? What do you do to work on the weaknesses and maintain or build upon the strengths?
   My strengths include natural flexibility and "feel" for the water. Weakness are slow turns start reaction time.

   
   

2. In a more general "life" sense, what makes you a stronger person?
   The experience of setting goals and working every day to achieve them.

   
   

3. When did you know you could achieve the level of success you have?
   I have always been amazed at the level of success that I've achieved. While I always believed (probably from age 15) that I would be a very successful swimmer, I feel very fortunate to have achived the level of success that I have.

   
   

4. What makes you want to succeed at swimming at the highest level - what drives you to want to be the best?
   I am driven by the desire to swim my best against the best competition, and to constantly find ways to make my body go faster through the water.

   
   

5. What is the most difficult or challenging workout you have ever done,and do you want to do it again (or have you done it more than once)?
   There are too many difficult workouts to mention. My most boring workout is always swum on New Years morning. A 5,000 free for time. I've done that 9 times.

   
   

6. When you are in the midst of a very challenging workout what goes through your head - what do you think about or tell yourself? What does your coach tell you?
   The more tired I get in workout, the harder I work on my stroke technique.

   
   

7. Would you share a moment in your swimming career that was not fun (or did not feel like anything positive could come of it) when it happened, but looking back, taught you something that has helped make you a better swimmer?
   The hardest moment of my swimming career was losing the 100m backstroke in the 1992 Olympics - a race that I was the heavy favorite to win. But I now look at that swim as the most valuable of my career, teaching me how to positively react to obstacles.

   
   

8. What do you like to eat before a swim meet? During a meet? After a meet?
   I try to eat consistently whether I am at or meet or not. For breakfast - cereal or oatmeal. For lunch - a turkey sandwich. For dinner - pasta, chicken, or fish. I eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.

   
   

9. What's your favorite food?
   Mexican.

   
   

10. What things do you think are important for swimmers to "be sure they do" in a workout or a meet (assuming these are things you always do, too)!
    Stretch, warmdown, and stay hydrated.

    
    

11. Do you have any technique tips or "secrets" you can share?
    Simply, enjoy swimming for swimmings sake. We have to spend far too much time in the water to not enjoy the process challenging yourself of moving through the water.

Thank you , Jeff - and Swim On!