Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - November 8, 2012

Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.

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MICHAEL WEISS »» MEN'S SWIMMING BADGERING... A senior who is known for his dominance in the individual medley races, as well as the backstroke and freestyle events, Michael Weiss surfaced as one of the U.S.'s top collegiate swimmers after a strong showing at the 2012 USA Olympic Trials. Weiss was recently named to the U.S. National Team and will represent Team USA at both the 2012 Short Course World Championships and the 2013 World University Games. What does it mean for you to be able to represent your country? "It is a dream come true to be able to represent Team USA in an international meet. I live for moments where I can race against the world's best, and to be able to do it while representing my country is an indescribable experience. I can't wait to make my country proud." What are your individual goals this season? "To be honest, I want nothing more than to win a national championship, but I know I have to do my part individually to make that happen. The biggest personal goal I have is to bring home an individual national title for Wisconsin at the NCAA championships, and then be able to medal at the World University Games next summer." Of all of your accolades, what means the most to you and why? "I'm all about competing against the best and tracking my progress based on how I do against those swimmers so I'd have to say placing fifth at the Olympic Trials this past summer was pretty big for me. Having the opportunity to race against guys like Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps and Tyler Clary, and finishing just two spots behind those three, is a huge step for me and my confidence as a swimmer." Who has been the most instrumental person in your life? "I've had so many important people in my life since childhood — from coaches to mentors to my mom and dad. All my coaches I've ever had, including my parents, helped me grow, mature, and taught me to push myself to succeed. Their words of wisdom and their encouragement still resonate with me today." 24 » VARSITY NOVEMBER 8, 2012

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