PAGE 4 WITH MIKE LUCAS Title in hand, Meyer searching for gold
Despite becoming the first swimmer in school history to win a national championship, Mag- gie Meyer’s daily workload in the pool hasn’t lessened to any appreciably degree. That’s because she has her eyes fixed on the next goal; or rather THE gold, the gold medal. Meyer’s complete focus has turned to the 2012 Olympics in London, England.
“Having that title,” she said of her victory in the 200-yard backstroke last March, “really has given me a little more con- fidence going into this next step of my swimming career. Having it under my belt has made me feel more capable and confident with my potential and what’s to come in the next year.” Would she have felt the same way about her Badger career without an NCAA title? “Absolutely,” she said. “I’ve always been very much invested in the process and thinking about what happens at the end of it as a bonus. I got a lot out
of being a student-athlete at the UW-Madison. I got more out of it than I could have dreamed and I absolutely would have been fulfilled if I hadn’t won.” Meyer’s backstroke champi- onship was a culmination, more than a coronation. It culminated four years of commitment and sacrifice. “It was a very special moment I will always cherish,” she said.
In the context of leaving a legacy as an accomplished college athlete – the Big Ten’s Swimmer of the Year, no less – she wants to be remembered for “being focused, dedicated and well-balanced.”
One other thing she wants people to know. “That I really earned that title,” she added. Meyer is now training in Tus- con with her mentor/coach Eric Hansen, who recently left the UW to take over the University of Arizona program. Before mak- ing the move, she considered other options.
“But what it really boiled down to,” she said, “was for me to achieve goals – and really see what I can do with the sport – staying with Eric was the least
risky because I’ve had so much success with him so far. I also thought a change of scenery might be a catalyst to re-moti- vate and re-engage me.” Arizona has a gorgeous outdoor swimming complex and Meyer has been practicing twice a day Monday, Wednesday and Friday; once each on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Her only void has been school.
“I’ve been trying to think about another focus,” said Meyer, who got her undergraduate degree from the UW in the spring,
“because I really worked hard at trying to get a good balance between athletics and academ- ics. That’s a reason why I was so successful in both.” She can see herself doing many things. Maybe she will do volunteer work in the community. Maybe she will join a book club. Or, maybe she will reconsider going to grad school. Mostly, she can see herself swimming in London; a most reachable goal.
“I’m working for it,” Meyer said.
