Q&A with Olympic Medalist Kim Vandenberg

Get to know Olympic medalist Kim Vandenberg. Kim will be at the Big Swim Big Kick on May 7 to meet and mingle with young athletes. We caught up with Kim and chatted about her swimming career, why she is excited for the event, and when we can see her compete next!  

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Big Swim Big Kick?

A: I am looking forward to meeting the local swimmers and sharing my stories with them. This will be my third time attending the event.

 

Q: What is your favorite memory from The Big Swim?

A: I enjoy spending time with the younger swimmers and hearing about their training and goals.

 

Q: Why do you come back to the event year after year?

A: It is important to me to support the swimming community. I grew up in a strong swimming community, and I am still very active in the sport. It’s a pleasure to be surrounded by people who share the same passion.

 

Q: Why do you think it is important for kids to participate in sports?

A: Sports teach self-discipline, perseverance, goal-setting, teamwork, and so many other important life lessons. Athletics unite people from all walks of life and are physically and mentally beneficial for overall health.

 

Q: How did you get involved in swimming and at what age did you learn to swim?

A: Most of the memories from my youth involve a pool. I grew up in Northern California in the small town of Moraga, and I began swimming in our backyard pool. I would race my older brother and play games with my friends all summer.

 

Q: What challenges did you have to overcome during your swimming career?

A: The constant challenge in the sport of swimming is trying to find balance. When I was younger, I spent most days waking up before 5am to swim before school, and then I went back to the pool for a second workout after class. I sacrificed most weekends to compete and rarely got to go on family ski trips or vacations. I almost quit the sport when I was a teenager because I wanted to have a more “normal” life. Any athlete can relate to that. The sacrifices and hard work are definitely worth it, and I was able to see that when I qualified for the Olympic Trials at age 16.

Another challenge is overcoming disappointment. I have missed the Olympic team three times: in 2000, 2004, and in 2012. After many failed attempts, I finally made it. I view failure as an opportunity for growth. I will be competing in my fifth Olympic Trials this summer.

 

Q: When did you realize the Olympic dream could be a reality?

A: I realized my Olympic dream could be a reality in 2004 during the final heat of the 200-meter butterfly. I was racing my swimming idol, Misty Hyman, and realized how close I was to becoming an Olympian. Even though I didn’t make the team that year, that moment changed my life. 

 

Q: What advice would you give to kids who want to excel in the sport?

A: The most important thing is to believe in yourself no matter how far you are from your goals. If you have a vision, it can manifest with the right support system, training, and preparation. Never stop believing. 

 

Q: Tell us about your Olympic experience. What is your favorite memory?

A: The Olympics were overwhelming and filled with pressure, but they also went by really fast. My favorite memory was spending time with athletes from other countries. I have been able to meet so many fascinating and talented people through the sport. I really enjoyed getting to know the Australians, Brazilians, and Europeans. After the Olympics, I moved to Europe to train with international athletes. It was magic.

 

Q: What are you up to today, and what’s next for Kim?

A: I am still very involved in the sport. I most recently raced in Mesa, Ariz., and I am training for the Olympic Trials. I am also working for a women’s sports media company, Excelle Sports. We cover women in sports like never before, and it has been such a rewarding experience. I also teach swim clinics around the country and private lessons in the New York area. I know I will always be involved in the sport on some level. I still love it so much.

 

Kim’s fun facts:

Favorite color: Green, blue, and black

Favorite food: Greek yogurt with honey

Favorite quote: “You are what you believe yourself to be.” – Paulo Coelho

One thing you could not live without: My family and friends

 

The Big Swim Big Kick is a free swim and soccer event for kids ages 6 to 10. Register today.