Courtesy of Kim Vandenberg / Excelle Sports and Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT Swim Clinic, a SwimSwam partner.
Traveling could be considered a sport of its own. Combine packing, traffic delays, security lines, small spaces and occasional turbulence for the course and together you have a challenging and often times unpleasant journey for travelers and jet setters alike. A large part of an athlete’s life revolves around transportation to and from events with long international flights, never-ending bus rides and the occasional lost baggage. The trek can be a struggle but it can also be some of the best memories in life.
Olympic swimmers Elizabeth Beisel and Allison Schmitt have some travel stories to tell. After competing in their third Olympic Games in Rio this past summer, the two friends decided to take a much deserved break from the pool and explore the world, one elephant at a time.
Elizabeth Beisel is a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist in the 400m individual medley and the 200m backstroke. She is also won the 2011 World Championship in the 400m individual medley, as well as a three-time gold medalist from the 2010 Pan Pacific championships in Irvine, California.
Allison Schmitt has a total of eight Olympic medals from 3 Olympic Games; four gold, two silver and two bronze. Schmitt is also a world champion in the 4x200m freestyle relay from the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, China, as well as a three time gold medalist from the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
From surfing with dolphins at sunset in the gold coast of Australia to eating local live beetles and losing departure cards in Thailand, these Olympic medalists share hilarious adventures abroad, their plans for their future, and their favorite travel must haves with Excelle Sports.
Watch the first Excelle Sports Travel Talk:
Excelle Sports lifestyle editor Kim Vandenberg is an Olympic bronze medalist, Pan American gold medalist, World Championship silver medalist and three-time U.S. national champion and French national champion in swimming. She’s also a member of Excelle’s Athletes Council.
About Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT Swim Clinic
Josh and Shantel Davis operate the Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT! Swim Clinic and work closely with each client to ensure everyone has the experience of a lifetime. In the swim clinic business since 1995, they have a keen awareness of how to tailor clinics to meet clubs’ needs and exceed their expectations.
As living proof that with hard work, dreams do come true, Josh and Shantel, along with Mutual of Omaha, believe every child has the potential for greatness. They and their staff look forward to working with your swimmers to get them closer to reaching their dreams.
“Dreams come true…never stop believing.”
Courtesy of Kim Vandenberg / Excelle Sports and Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT Swim Clinic, a SwimSwam partner.
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