After every Olympic Trials meet, there is a slew of athletes who announce their retirements. They are often not surprises, because shy of qualifying for an Olympic Team, it is fairly difficult to make a true living as a professional swimmer.
But the one man who fought more than most to make that happen, however, is Club Wolverine’s Bobby Savulich. One of the minds behind the Pro Duel Meet series in the fall has officially announced his retirement.
“My Olympic Bid came up short,” Savulich said, “but I am still grateful for all of the amazing experiences this sport has given me. Thank you family & friends for your support; I could not have done it without you!”
Savulich is a 6-time All-American, a 13-time Big Ten Champion, and a two-time World University Games qualifier. He also has a pair of Pan Ams medals from the 2011 meet.
He will move onto the next phase in his life by creating Athlete Approved, a company that has gained notoriety in Omaha this week for helping swimmers to remove the unallowable logos on the fronts of their caps.
I was flipping through channels when I landed on the US Olympic Swimming Trials. I tuned in to watch Phelps and Lochte battle it out, but I was surprised to see a familiar name, Bobby Savulich, (he went to my middle school!) pop up on the screen! I was even more impressed to see him swim a semifinal in the same heat as the likes of Lochte and Lezak. And although he didn’t make it to the Olympic team, I can’t imagine the the courage and determination it must have taken to even make it to the Olympic trials. I’m sorry to hear you’re retiring, but congratulations on living the dream, Bobby!
bobby you had a great run! we are so proud of all of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see you do big things in the future! #loveathleteapproved