WATCH: Nathan Adrian Reflects on Career During Cal Keynote Address

Torrey Hart
by Torrey Hart 2

December 16th, 2018 National, News, Video

Decorated Olympian and 2012 UC Berkeley graduate Nathan Adrian served as his alma mater’s 2018 Winter Commencement keynote speaker Saturday, and his talk did not disappoint any swim fans in the house.

“I swam fast and I’ve learned a lot of things, so maybe I’ll impart some wisdom,” Adrian joked of his qualifications.

Revealing a London gold medal under his gown, Adrian reflected on the highs and lows of his career, including the infamous suit-splitting incident, spilling a drug test sample, his relationship with his coach Dave Durden, and his path to becoming an international star. He also talked about his transition back to school following the 2008 Olympics, the pressure he faced in the first year of his pro career, and learning to bond with other Team USA athletes while on international trips.

“Set high goals. Don’t be afraid to invest in them,” he concluded. “Find that mentor you need in order to grow, and feel free to leave your phone in your pocket for an entire meal – or perhaps a speech – every once and a while.”

Watch his full address, which begins at 1:08, below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhM-Mpd3wJk

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Woke Stasi
5 years ago

Well worth watching: starts at the 1:07:30 mark. Less than 10 minutes overall. Some gems of wisdom and — humility.

He also talks about rushing through a drug test and spilling urine all over!

Special highlight: he whips it out at the 1:10:01 mark!

Enjoy this must-watch!

Roch
Reply to  Woke Stasi
5 years ago

Word choice, my dude. Don’t get my hopes up like that.

About Torrey Hart

Torrey Hart

Torrey is from Oakland, CA, and majored in media studies and American studies at Claremont McKenna College, where she swam distance freestyle for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps team. Outside of SwimSwam, she has bylines at Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, SB Nation, and The Student Life newspaper.

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