Olympic Trials & Tribulations
From the outside, swimming seems like an individual sport. Aside from the few relay events, it’s athlete versus athlete—one swimmer starting on the blocks, one swimmer touching the wall at the end.
But what became increasingly clear, as we talked to five of the six BCST athletes who took on the Olympic trials this year, is that the sport is actually all about team dynamic, friends and sharing the important moments in life with people you love. From hours of training together to traveling the country to cheering each other on, these athletes formed an unbreakable bond as they made their way to one of the biggest sports arenas in the world.
And they are just getting started. Many of these athletes are going on to swim at elite colleges and continuing to pursue Olympic dreams. No matter what, keep an eye out for this crew; they will make a splash in whatever they choose to do.
Sophia Sunwoo, 17
50m Freestyle
What does it mean to you to make the 2024 Olympic trials?
It means a lot to my younger self. To see how my family, coaches and friends have helped me achieve this goal is truly a dream. Throughout my childhood, it always felt like an intangible goal, but to see it come true is amazing.
What was your favorite memory from the trials?
To see the pool and the facility, to take it all in; I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling. The stadium took my breath away. The intimidation factor was high, but knowing I was qualified and deserved to be there gave me a sense of pride. My swim is the ultimate “splash and dash,” lasting only 25 seconds, give or take. To say that was my favorite memory would be unrealistic, so I would have to say the first time I stepped onto the pool deck and saw all the lights.
What does swimming mean to you?
Swimming has given me a home away from home, a sense of community and friendships that will last a lifetime. Swimming has also been a major outlet for me, a way to express myself and be comfortable in my own skin.
This sport has also taught me humility and respect. Respect for my peers as well as the understanding of dedication to one’s craft. The hours spent in the pool are rigorous, and not many can do it. It takes hard work and sacrifice.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in the sport?
Balance can be a difficult challenge to master. The schoolwork, swimming and social life will never align perfectly. Sacrifices must be made, which come with any dedication to a sport.
What are your future goals for swimming?
I plan on swimming at Princeton University, where I hope to be able to connect with new people, improve in the sport and learn new ways to face challenges. I don’t have specific time goals for myself, but I’ve come to learn that once you improve the little things, the times start to drop.
Do you have any advice for your peers who might be trying to reach an elite level of athletics?
Don’t lose yourself. Always know that there are people around you—peers, family and friends who are there to support you. A meet will not always go as planned and that’s okay. Don’t get stuck, and keep moving forward.
Who are your role models?
My role models are my parents. There has never been a moment when I haven’t felt their unwavering support. The drives to swim meets and the meals we share between prelims and finals: the best advice was always given during these moments.
What’s your favorite piece of swim gear?
I always have a special hoodie I take to meets. It was given to me by a close family friend; it’s my “lucky hoodie.” I don’t go anywhere without it. It brings me luck and comfort when I’m away from home. •••
Gracyn Kehoe, 16
100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke, 100m Butterfly, 200m Individual Medley, 400m Individual Medley, 50m Freestyle
What does it mean to you to make the 2024 Olympic trials?
It meant a lot to me. So many years of dedication, discipline and hard work led to the opportunity to compete for a spot to represent my country and swim against the nation’s best. It was a dream come true and felt amazing to see how far I’ve come in my sport.
What was your favorite memory from the trials?
My favorite memory was getting to meet so many different people who share my love for the sport.
What does swimming bring to your life?
Swimming has brought so many special relationships into my life. Bellevue Club is truly like a family to me, and I am so grateful that I am able to do the sport I love with the people I love. Swimming has taught me that hard work, discipline and drive can lead you to accomplish your goals and to persevere, no matter the situation.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in the sport?
My biggest challenge has been learning how to control my nerves. I used to get really nervous before my races, which can have many negative effects. Over the years, I have been working on improving my [mental state], and I feel like I have come a long way from where I started.
What are your future goals for swimming?
One of my future goals is to make the Junior National Team for Canada. It has been a dream of mine to represent my country ever since I was a little kid.
Do you have any advice for your peers who might be trying to reach an elite level of athletics?
One piece of advice I would like to give is to never lose faith in your ability. Everyone’s path is different, and you have to learn how to trust the process in your sport.
Who are your role models?
One of my biggest role models is Caeleb Dressel. He openly discusses his struggles with race anxiety, which helped so many young athletes realize that even the best of the best have to overcome difficulties. •••
Clare Watson, 16
200m Butterfly, 100m Butterfly
What does it mean to you to make the 2024 Olympic trials?
It shows me that hard work pays off. All my friends who have qualified for the meet have put in so much hard work and dedication. Being able to qualify with them shows me that the work we put in day in and out of the water has helped us reach our goals.
What was your favorite memory from the trials?
After I made the Pan Pacific team in the 200m butterfly, I was walking away from the pool to warm down, and [BCST head coach] Abi found me and gave me a hug. Abi has been someone who has supported me constantly throughout this process, so it was really meaningful to have her there after my race.
What does swimming bring to your life?
This sport has taught me that to achieve your goals you need to build strong relationships with your teammates. The atmosphere in the Bellevue Club is always so positive, and I look forward to coming to practice every day because I get to train with my best friends. My teammates are the reason I am still able to do this sport after 10 years. I wouldn’t trade my memories with them for anything. They truly are the best people. This sport has also taught me to balance my life well.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in the sport?
Switching clubs. About two years ago, I made the decision to leave my previous club and join the Bellevue Club. Though it was difficult and uncertain at the beginning, I wouldn’t change a thing.
What are your future goals for swimming?
My future goals are to continue to make junior teams for Canada and work toward being able to score more points for BCST at championship meets.
Do you have any advice for your peers who might be trying to reach an elite level of athletics?
Trust in your training. If you know that you are putting in the work each day in practice, then you should feel confident when you step up on the blocks. And the most important thing is to have fun! Enjoy every day that you get to come to practice and be with your friends because it is a gift to be around such amazing people.
Who are your role models?
My role models are my teammates. There is always someone to race at practice, and I really appreciate that. They show up to practice every day with a positive attitude, and I love their company. They inspire me every day to do my best. For advice I go to my friends and family.
What’s your favorite piece of swim gear?
I love fins! I use my fins every day during swim meets to cool down. I think they give me the most speed, and they’re really fun to use.
Do you have any pre-race rituals?
I don’t have any pre-race rituals , but I do always bring my water bottle behind the blocks with me. •••
Cecilia Howard, 17
100m Breaststroke
What does it mean to you to make the 2024 Olympic trials?
It was cool making the cut, but it was even more special that my teammates were behind me when I qualified for it.
What was your favorite memory from the trials?
Seeing not only one but two world records get broken.
What does swimming bring to your life?
Swimming has taught me perseverance, time management, how to be part of a team and how to set and accomplish goals bigger than myself.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in the sport?
Learning how to move forward from setbacks.
What are your future goals for swimming?
To continue to have fun in the sport.
Do you have any advice for your peers who might be trying to reach an elite level of athletics?
Listen to your coaches, work hard and have fun.
Who are your role models?
Missy Franklin, because when I was younger I thought she was the coolest person (and I still think that).
What’s your favorite piece of swim gear?
I love using my kickboard!
Do you have any pre-race rituals?
I always have chocolate milk the night before I race. •••
Alexa McDevitt, 17
200m Individual Medley, 400m Individual Medley
What does it mean to you to make the 2024 Olympic trials?
In 2016, I watched my mom compete in the Olympic trials for running. She showed me that it was possible and inspired me to chase my dreams. Qualifying for trials was special because it was a culmination of eight years of hard work. Getting to go with a group of my best friends, who were with me for all those years, made the experience even more special.
What was your favorite memory from the trials?
Two moments from trials really stand out to me. The first one is small—after one of the finals session, my teammate Piper and I sat together and watched the sun go down. It was special to me because I feel like our journey together has been so long, and the path to trials was not easy, but getting to share that sunset at our first Olympic trials together made everything feel like it was worth it. The second moment was much bigger—watching my friend Alex make her first Olympic Team was really special, and something I will never forget.
What does swimming bring to your life?
Swimming has given me the best family I could ask for. When I was young, it started as something my brother and I could do together. Unlike our other sports, which were often separated by age or gender, everyone got to be on the same team. As I grew up, I found my best friends in my teammates and competitors. Swimming has taught me about the importance of teamwork and the value of having incredible teammates.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in the sport?
A few years ago, I decided to leave my hometown and come train at the Bellevue Club. Leaving was very scary, and it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I was lucky enough to be welcomed into this team with open arms. I joined the best group of people, and I would make the same decision a million times over.
What are your future goals for swimming?
I would love to eventually have the privilege of representing my country internationally. I am also very excited about swimming collegiately and would love to win a national title with my college program.
Do you have any advice for your peers who might be trying to reach an elite level of athletics?
My biggest piece of advice to anyone trying to achieve anything would be to find your people. Very little can be achieved alone. I have been very fortunate to grow up and train with the best group of people, and it is only because of them (along with our amazing coaches!) that I found my way to this level of the sport. Someone I look up to once told me that “your people are your purpose,” and that is really something I try to live by.
Who are your role models?
I look up to my teammates. Seeing the passion they have for each other and the sport inspires me to be better. When I am down or seeking advice, they are the people I turn to first. I really can’t say it enough: my team here at the Bellevue Club is the best!
What’s your favorite piece of swim gear?
My parka! I always get cold behind the blocks, but my parka keeps me so cozy!
Before I race any Individual Medley event, I like to come up with “cue” words for myself. I pick one word for each stroke, and it reminds me of a certain feeling or technical goal I have for that leg of the race. Repeating the four words in my head behind the blocks helps keep me calm. •••