We caught up with Ashley Twichell, the 2012 USA Swimming national champion in both the 10K and 5K open water swims. Ashley dominated the field in the 10K at the 2012 championships but did not qualify for a spot in the Olympic field. Although disappointed, Ashley is a true champion with the strength and determination to move forward. In this interview she talks about the ups and downs of the past year and some of what she’s learned. She recounts some of her found memories from trips to South America and South Africa.
Since graduating from Duke University Ashley has been training under the guidance of Bill Rose at the Mission Viejo Nadadores. Ashley trains with the strong women’s distance group featuring Chloe Sutton and Junior team member Brooke Lortenzen.
The 2013 Nationals are going to be at Lake Castaic, a short drive north of Los Angeles. It’s going to be very strong field for the women with Ashley, Emily Brunemann, Eva Fabian, Becca Mann, Christine Jennings and Olympic silver medalist Haley Anderson. The top two finishers will earn the opportunity to race at the world championship this summer.
Also, there’s a lot more at stake for the 5K in 2013 as this race will also serve as a qualifier for the 2013 Barcelona world championship.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EziDzoVAORY&w=640&h=360]
