Our Moments
A gallery of extra special aha moments.
"The same race as always."
Christine Magnuson
As I waited for the 100 meter butterfly finals to start, I told my coach that I was nervous. I'll never forget what he said to me at that moment.
"Getting through."
Christine Magnuson
I do as many clinics as I can, helping young people who are learning how to swim. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the look on a kid's face when they "get it" and everything makes sense.
"Competing against myself."
Dana Vollmer
I love to compete, but I'm never at my best when I'm trying to beat someone else. It's far more fulfilling to just swim faster than I've ever swam before. If that happens to be faster than anyone else in the race, that's great, too.
"A mistake I'm glad I made."
Dana Vollmer
In college, I accidentally sent a text message to the wrong "Andy" in my contacts list. Three years later, Andy and I got engaged.
"That's going to be me."
Eric Shanteau
Years ago at a swimming banquet in Georgia, I heard Janet Evans say that one of the people in the room would one day represent our country at the Olympics one day. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be that person.
"Bigger than swimming."
Eric Shanteau
A week before trials for the 2008 Olympic Games, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I competed anyway, and came to a life-changing realization in the process.
"Positive thinking."
Jason Lezak
In the men's 4x100 relay at the 2008 Olympics, I was a full body-length behind when I pushed off. Being able to defeat the negative thoughts in my head with positive ones was the biggest factor in helping me come from behind to win.
"It's not about me anymore."
Jason Lezak
As an athlete, my entire life has been focused on myself and becoming a better swimmer. Becoming a husband and father has completely changed that for me.
