Courtesy: Elizabeth Spencer Rosenthal
Marilyn Monroe once said, “We are all of us stars, and we all deserve to twinkle.”
While coming face-to-face with the most talented athletes in the world may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in most sports, in swimming, it happens all the time. With a strong and close-knit community focus, opportunities abound for fans to meet and greet the sport’s biggest stars.
Fans may encounter their favorite swimmers behind the blocks, in a warm-up or warm-down lane or even at a training pool somewhere. Elite swimmers may be out and about in the community doing outreach events, hosting swim clinics, or making appearances for their sponsors. Whether you’re seeking autographs, photographs or even some last-minute racing advice, meeting the stars of swimming can create inspiring, exciting and memorable times.
Alexa
Alexa, age 10, has been swimming since she was six years old, and dreams of becoming an Olympian. Like many young girls, her idol is Katie Ledecky. In fact, she has dressed as Katie Ledecky for Halloween for three years! “It would have been four, but one year I didn’t get to dress up because I was very sick,” she shared.
A fellow swim mom told Alexa’s mom that Katie was going to be swimming at Sectionals… and the rest is history! Off they went with some determination and a dream of meeting the swimming champion, who came through with flying colors. “She was so nice and inspiring, and even though she was getting ready to race, she was nice enough to take a picture and give me a few tips,” Alexa gushed.
As an ambitious young swimmer, Alexa also turned the moment into a learning opportunity. “I studied Katie while she was getting ready to race. And that was really inspiring to me, so now I can follow her steps as well,” Alexa explained. “We only usually get to see her behind the blocks, but I got a peek of her routine.”
Alexa is already a swimming super-fan, always looking for added inspiration and motivation from the best in the business. “I was also able to meet Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel at a Speedo event and they really gave me some amazing advice for IM’s. They were so nice to me and made me feel so special. I listen to their podcast and follow them on Instagram as well because it is informative and fun.”
An aspiring breaststroker, Alexa was overjoyed to learn that Cody Miller would be signing autographs at her LSC’s Age Group Champs. “I was swimming the 100 Breast that day, and I went to him and asked him for tips for my race. He gave me some great pointers, and later that night he gave me my First Place Gold Medal for the 10 & under 100 Breast,” she recalled. “That was an epic moment!”
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- Alexa as Katie Ledecky on Halloween
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- Alexa with the real Katie Ledecky
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- Alexa with Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel
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- Cody Miller awards Alexa her first place medal at the Florida Gold Coast Age Group Champs
Zoe
You can also count Zoe (and her mom!) among Katie Ledecky’s faithful fandom. Like Alexa, when Zoe heard that Katie would be swimming at the local Sectionals meet, her parents took her to meet their favorite champion!
Alexandra
10-year-old Alexandra is Erika Pelaez’s biggest fan. “I met Erika at a local swimming competition when I was 7 years old, and since then she has been my idol.” Erika’s positive outlook and encouraging words have served as the young swimmer’s inspiration. “The day I met Erika, she told me, ‘Wow, I saw your breaststroke! I have never seen someone your age swim like that.’” Alexandra has some lofty goals for both herself and her swimming hero. “Today I just dream of going to the Olympics with Erika,” she shared.
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- Alexandra with her swimming idol, Erika Pelaez
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- Julia and Isa: Although these high school teammates and life-long besties have long since transitioned from swimmers to swammers, they will always remember the excitement of meeting Cullen Jones at the Southern Premier meet in Knoxville.
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- Parker: When his home pool was closed over Christmas break, Parker’s dad took him to swim at a club in Key Largo, where legendary breaststroker was also on a winter training trip.
Gabriel and Michael
Imagine the excitement for brothers Gabriel, 17, and Michael, 9, who met Michael Andrew when he stopped by their pool to swim! Andrew stayed to take pictures with them and the whole team after practice.
Photos with Michael Andrew and the signing table photos by Ulyana Navarro
Before and after the Pro Series Meet in Fort Lauderdale, the stars made time to meet and greet their fans.
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- Regan Smith and Kate Douglass with brothers Gabriel and Michael
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- Swim fan Gabriel (left) shares a smile in the stands with Shaine Casas and Leon Marchand. Gabriel was actually delivering a handwritten note from his little brother to Leon Marchand.
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- Hanging with the stars: Josh Davis, Regan Smith and Kate Douglass share their sparkle with a young swim fan.
When swim fans return the love to their favorite stars, it’s golden.
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- by Chris Pose, provided by Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex.
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- Swim Fans to Gretchen Walsh: “U Got This, Gretchen” Photo by Chris Pose
How can you meet your favorite swimming stars?
For fans who dream of meeting their swimming idols, sometimes it takes a little bit of luck, being in the right place at the right time. To improve your chances, stay tuned in to your local network of swim moms (and dads) who are often in the know! By following swimmers on social media, you may learn about their upcoming competitions, promotions and appearances at camps or clinics. Meet hosts may also publish details of meet and greet opportunities before or after a competition. Here are some tips for a successful interaction:
Be courteous and polite
Be patient
Respect the swimmers’ personal space
If you’re at a competition, remember that the stars are preparing for their own races
Be sure to stay focused on your own warmup and meet preparation
Be prepared with a pen or a Sharpie
Think of something brief to say
Say thank you
Cherish the moment
Most of all, have fun and follow your dreams!
ABOUT ELIZABETH SPENCER ROSENTHAL
Elizabeth Spencer Rosenthal is a wife and mother of 3 from Miami. She is a passionate swim mom, volunteer and meet official, with a professional background in marketing and public relations. She holds a degree in Public Communication from American University, and loves finding a story to tell.
One of the best ways to “meet the stars” is to attend a local college swim meet or a college swim meet in general. A lot of the top and up and coming swimmers are still in college and are VERY accessible before and after the meet. And many of the top college programs also have affiliated pro training groups that will be at meets to cheer. For bigger meets there are also alumni on deck that will come to cheer the team on and they themselves are often current and former Olympians. Bonus: most college meets are free at attend. In California check out UC Berkeley meets and Stanford meets….the Big Meet where the two rivals compete against each… Read more »
Another great story by Elizabeth Rosenthal, with important, realistic, and polite suggestions for swim fans as to how to catch up with and meet their swim idols! Loved “meeting” the young adults and their wishes for their futures. Very exciting, and so interesting, and despite their young ages, they seem to know what their goals for their futures might be.
I was at sectionals with my daughter when Katie Ledecky came strolling in for warm ups. She was unassuming, preparing for her event just as any of the other swimmers; you would never know she was the most decorated US female Olympian ever. She even took the time to pose for a picture with a star struck swim dad!
A great feel good article with many pertinent insights…Thank you! You made my day.