The Year That Was: Elite Swimmers’ Favorite Memories of 2015

After the New Year’s Holiday, we can excitedly begin to say ‘at this year’s Olympics’, but 2015 was a still monster year of swimming by itself. Pan American Games, World Championships, World Junior Championships, U.S. Nationals, the World Cup circuit, Duel in the Pool, as well as several other competitions brought forth the globe’s best to give us a memorable year both in and out of the pool.

What made the year extra special for the swimmers themselves?  Take a look at how some of your favorites responded to the question, “What was your favorite swimming memory of 2015?”

What was your favorite swimming memory of 2015?

“I’ll never forget winning the 4 x 100 medley relay at Worlds with two other Cal guys,” – Nathan Adrian, Olympic champion

“My favorite memory from 2015 has to be making history once again. I brought home the first Worlds medal for Jamaica and made my first final at Worlds as well. It was fantastic to see my progression throughout the 2 World Championships that I have been to (getting 9th twice in Barcelona),” – Alia Atkinson, Jamaican Olympian

“I’d have to say it was winning the 200m breaststroke at the U.S Nationals in Texas. I’d been on the other side of a few close finishes that season, so it was great to finally get the win! Was a great experience as well, racing Americans on their home soil,” – Craig Benson, British breaststroker, 2015 Duel in the Pool swimmer

“USC men’s first PAC 12 title in 37 years and representing T&T at Worlds and the Pan American Games for the first time,” – Dylan Carter, USC and Trinidad & Tobago swimmer

“The Pan-Am Games trip was my favorite memory. I hit a great 50 time, I feel like I really broke into the 100 scene and it was a great international trip to really motivate me towards the Olympics,” – Josh Schneider, U.S. National Team member

“2015 Junior World Championships…at finals I was so nervous, yet so excited to swim. And I couldn’t stop smiling when I turned around coming out of the walk out tunnel to see the rest of Team USA there cheering me on. It didn’t feel like I was swimming for myself anymore.  It felt like I was swimming for something much bigger and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.” – Chandler Bray, U.S. Junior National Team member

“I didn’t race much in 2015, so for me it was Mitch Larkin conquering pressure to become the 100m backstroke World Champion in Kazan. Was amazing to watch!”  – Kenneth To, Australian World Cup medalist

“Getting back on the blocks and racing 8 months after sustaining an injury that put me in a wheelchair,” – Roy Burch, Bermudian Olympian

“The Duel in the Pool! It was an incredible opportunity that introduced me to a whole new side of the sport of swimming! It was truly a dream come true,” – Michael Chadwick, Mizzou swimmer and U.S. National Team member

“My best memory from 2015 was being part of Canada’s Pan American Games team competing last summer in Canada. The crowd noise was something I’ll never forget and think about often,” – Kierra Smith, elite Canadian swimmer

“Definitely watching my teammate Connor Jaeger break an American Record and win a silver medal in the 1500 at World Champs!” – Michael Klueh, U.S. National Team member

“Making my first World Cup final,” – Calvyn Justus, elite South African swimmer

“Standing in an empty parking lot with a mound of dirt signifying the ground breaking of our new aquatics center. A lot of man hours by a lot of people have gone into making it a reality and it will be great to see it finished by this upcoming Olympic year,” – Dave Durden, Head Coach of Men’s Swimming at the University of California

“My best memory from 2015 was racing on the 400 medley relay at Worlds. It was such an honor to represent my country and win a gold medal,” – Tom Shields, American Record Holder

“Obviously the men’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay beating the unbeaten USA [at Worlds],” – Robbie Renwick, World Championships gold medalist

“My favorite swimming moment of 2015 was winning the 4 x 100 medley relay at Pan Ams with Katie, Kelsi and Schmitty,” Natalie Coughlin, multiple Olympic medalist

“Watching/following Connor Jaeger’s 1500 for 2nd at Worlds through live tweets…What a swim!” – Bobby Hurley, Australian Olympian

“When Carlos Claverie [fellow Louisville swimmer, Venezuelan swimmer] got the FINA A cut at Minneapolis Pro Swim. Or, when Michael Phelps beat Le Clos’ 100m fly time from Worlds and didn’t say a word about it; just let his swimming do the talking,” – Todd Owen, University of Louisville swimmer

“Signing with Adidas in the beginning of the year after an epic trip to South Africa, traveling to Adidas World of Sports in Herzo and being part of the launch of the incredible Adizero XVI in Munich at the end of the year. What made this so special was I got to experience this all with my Mom, Dad and [sister] Michaela. I loved being a part of celebrating a huge milestone for Adidas Swim and getting to know my Adi swim family,” – Michael Andrew, World Junior Champion, U.S. Junior National Team Member