The Surprising Way Bobby Finke Is Prepping for Paris

The Surprising Way Bobby Finke Is Prepping for Paris

Part Three of "Road to the Olympics" Series

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, American swimmer Bobby Finke is gearing up for the biggest competition of his life. In the third installment of our "Road to the Olympics" series, Finke shares his training journey and strategies for success.

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Trials Were Grueling

The U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Indianapolis were a grueling nine-day meet. Finke swam on the first, third, fourth, ninth, and 10th day, competing in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events. Despite the challenging schedule, Finke qualified for the Olympics in the 800m and 1500m events with top times.

Focusing on the 800m

Finke’s focus was on the 800m event, which he aimed to win and qualify for the Olympics. He swam the 400m freestyle as a warm-up and to get comfortable in the pool, but the 800m was his main priority.

Nervous Energy

Finke admits to feeling nervous before his events, but he views it as a positive sign. "If I’m not nervous, then something’s wrong," he says. "It means I care about how I do and how I perform."

Relaxation and Team Bonding

After trials, Finke is looking forward to training camp in Raleigh, North Carolina, and then in Croatia. The team will practice together, focusing on sharpening their skills and building team camaraderie. "We always go to Croatia before the Olympics," Finke explains. "It’s a beautiful place where we can just spend some time in the water and chill before we stress ourselves out at the competition."

Team Dynamics

Swimming is often seen as an individual sport, but Finke emphasizes the importance of teamwork. "We build a lot as a team here," he says. "We do team dinners and team activities that pull us closer together."

Sharpening the Knife

In the lead-up to the Olympics, Finke is focusing on fine-tuning his skills. "The focus at practice now is the same for Paris as it was for trials – it’s all about sharpening the knife," he says. "I’m trying to relax as much as possible and just de-stress the best I can after trials."

Conclusion

Bobby Finke’s journey to the Olympics is a testament to hard work, dedication, and teamwork. As he prepares for the biggest competition of his life, he’s focusing on sharpening his skills, building team camaraderie, and managing his nerves. Follow more Olympians’ journeys and training methods by clicking the link below.

FAQs

Q: What was the most challenging part of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials for you?
A: The most challenging part was the nine-day schedule. It was grueling, and I had to be focused and prepared for each event.

Q: How do you handle nervous energy before your events?
A: I view nervous energy as a positive sign. It means I care about how I do and how I perform. I remind myself that it’s normal to feel nervous and focus on my breathing and technique.

Q: What’s the most important aspect of your training camp experience?
A: For me, it’s about building team camaraderie and bonding with my teammates. We do team activities and dinners that help us connect and feel more relaxed before the competition.