Swimming isn't necessarily the first sport you pick up when you sit down to watch TV. But University of Wisconsin swimmer Phoebe Bacon may appear on our screens during the Olympic season.
Bacon started swimming at just three years old, but continued to pursue other interests. She also enjoyed ice hockey and soccer. She didn't get serious about swimming until she was in high school, but it came at a cost.
“I feel like it wasn’t until college that I really understood that I was making these sacrifices, but there’s a reason for it,” Bacon said. “There's a good reason I'm not going to stay up until God knows what time it will be Saturday night. I'm making that decision consciously now.”
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Bacon has had a successful collegiate career thus far, winning six Big Ten Championships and being named Big Ten Swimmer of the Year in 2023.
Although training is important to her and she enjoys working hard, she practices the saying “no pain, no gain” when it comes to training, but having fun also means keeping a smile on her face. It's a priority as well.
“If you don't smile and don't have fun, how do you expect to be successful?” Bacon said. “Having fun seems like such a small thing, and it may sound silly, but it's so important to me, even though I barely know what swimming is. , I never want to lose the 5- or 6-year-old in me that tells me to jump in and swim to the other side.”
While many college students would balk at the thought of waking up before 7 a.m., Bacon is looking forward to waking up at 5:30 a.m. on Monday and jumping into a cold pool.
Christie King, associate head coach for men's and women's swimming and diving, said the happiness and joy she brings to training shows through her leadership. The energy Bacon brings to practice naturally gets everyone excited.
“Phoebe was a natural leader, and I think the greatest strength I've seen in her so far is her leadership skills,” Dr. King said. “She's been a captain this year and we've been watching her evolve as well. She's always been really dedicated. She's always had a great work ethic, but I think it's important that she learns how to continue to move the team and the program forward. It was really fun to watch it go.”
Bacon's leadership, dedication, and attitude helped her gain international recognition and experience. Competing in the Olympics as a swimmer is one of the highest achievements an athlete can aspire to.
And Bacon was successful. She is her two-time gold medalist at the Pan American Games. She competed in the 2021 Olympic Trials and won a silver medal in the 200m backstroke, qualifying her for the Tokyo Olympics. Bacon has already qualified for the 2024 Olympic Trials, which will be held in June.
“My biggest advice before she swims in a big meet is to keep her focused,” King said. “But I think she's someone who really enjoys big tournaments. I think she really enjoys when the lights are on and there's an audience. I think she gets a lot of energy from those people. And I always think that's a big part of her routine.”
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Preparing for the international stage is hard work, but Bacon tells himself he competes because he loves it. She always wants to win, but she continues to compete because she has fun.
Although the pressure can be daunting, Bacon tries to remain calm and reassures himself that he has been swimming since he could walk.
“I think going back to when I started swimming, I just wanted to have fun,” Bacon said. “It's not the end of my life. It's a swim meet, so I take it seriously. But I also want to find joy in it.”
Bacon found connections with other Olympians who encouraged and supported her. Her bond with other swimmers, who are also feeling the pressure of her trials, helps keep her calm.
Bacon will travel to participate in the Olympic Trials in June, but he feels comforted by his teammates on Team USA, and being surrounded by talented athletes only inspires him to work harder. is.
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“They will be proud of you and want you to succeed,” Bacon said. “And you want the same thing for them, and there's a camaraderie there. And having that bond with so many other great elite athletes makes you work harder and get better. You want to perform to the best of your ability and to see other players perform to the best of their ability.”
Bacon has been overwhelmed by the support from his family, coaches and teammates. King said the entire team plans to gather together for a big viewing party during the Olympics. Her teammates will also be giving her a grand send-off before she departs for trials later this year.
Although Bacon's siblings are older than her and they don't see each other often, they always support her from afar, and she is overjoyed when she goes to their meetings. Every instance she shares with her family brings great excitement.
“When I see them cheering me on doing what I love and when I see them so excited and happy for me, it makes me really happy,” Bacon said. Ta.
