GWANGJU – Chelsea Chenault, from the University of Southern California, and Andrea Cottrell, from the University of Louisville, can be heard right across the pool for the United States at the swimming.
On a night where the USA cleaned up with three gold medals, Cottrell and Chenault were in admiration of the likes of Shannon Vreeland, Jacob Pebley and the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay team, saying the performance of Vreeland (women’s 200 metre freestyle) was inspiring.
“It’s awesome seeing her do well and succeed,” Chenault comments of Vreeland. “Seeing her reach her goals and win a gold here is awesome, and it’s great to have her on the team.”
With swimming needing stamina and a strong mental mind-set, Vreeland’s preparation was such that it has allowed her to apply power in the pool.
“She’s very experienced, and likes to dial in and focus on everything that she does. She’s been a student of the sport for a very long time, and now she’s succeeding, she’s also learned a lot about what it takes.”
“It’s inspiring to watch, not only in the pool but as a spectator. Watching a teammate’s success and cheering for them, as a sense of support,” says Cottrell. Chenault also has a silver medal to her name after the women’s 4×200 metre freestyle relay team took home second place.
Even in the spectator stands, Chenault loves the feeling of cheering on the team, and being nervous for every race with an American competitor.
“You would think that some people would be more stressed not being on the deck; but we get completely into it and it’s a completely different experience, and feeling your support drive someone to be successful.”
“Little things go a long way too,” Cottrell exclaims. “Everyone else is so nervous too, but having your team behind you is definitely a confidence booster.”
The setup for college programmes for sports and athletics is incredibly competitive, which Chenault says, “it makes you really well-rounded and more experienced as you keep progressing in the sport.”
Davis Harrigan (AUS),FISU Young Reporter
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