“The Water Is My Sky” Documentary Releases Trailer, Announces Spring 2021 Debut

A documentary eight years in the making, The Water Is My Sky released its official teaser trailer on Tuesday, announcing an anticipated release date of Spring 2021.

The film, produced by West Middle Productions, documents the lives of three American swimmers — Tom WilkensConnor Jaeger and Taylor Garcia — and their pursuit of Olympic success.

“As they endure heartbreaking setbacks and soaring triumphs, each swimmer grapples with the underlying meaning behind their pursuit, revealing the true spirit of ordinary individuals chasing extraordinary dreams,” says the film’s press release announcing the trailer.

“The film features Olympian Tom Wilkens, whose improbable rise to the international spotlight in the late 1990’s serves as the centerpiece of the film’s narrative,” the release continues. “Fellow Olympian Connor Jaeger is also featured, as well as former collegiate standout Taylor Garcia. Collectively, the film paints a picture of elite competitive swimming rarely seen on the big screen, shining a light on both the devastating heartaches and joyous achievements commonly encountered by swimmers around the world.”

Wilkens won an Olympic bronze medal in the men’s 200 IM in Sydney, while Jaeger is a two-time U.S. Olympian, winning silver in the men’s 1500 freestyle in Rio. Garcia, a multi-time NCAA All-American with both Arizona and Michigan, competed at two U.S. Olympic Trials meets, including advancing to the 2016 semi-finals in the women’s 100 backstroke.

Director Brian Tremml adds: “I could not be more excited to share the news of our upcoming release with the swimming community. We began working on this project nearly eight years ago, and we have been embraced by swimming fans around the world as they patiently awaited its completion.

“While we are still finalizing exactly how and when the film will be available, we wanted to make the announcement now in order to give our fans in the swimming community something to look forward to in the months ahead.”

You can watch the trailer via the film’s YouTube channel below:

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C G Hibbard
3 years ago

Really looking forward to this!

Jason Zajonc
3 years ago

Very cool! Can’t wait to watch it…thanks for sharing…amazing stories about great people. The journey is real!

Aquajosh
3 years ago

If you haven’t read “Gold in the Water” by P.H. Mullen, which is largely about Wilkens and Santa Clara Swim Club circa 2000, I highly recommend it. One of the best books ever written on the journey of elite athletes in any sport.

Drewbrewsbeer
Reply to  Aquajosh
3 years ago

One of my very favorites of any genre.

Mn swim
3 years ago

I’m excited for this!!! Feel like I’ve been waiting since 2013 😂, regardless I’m jazzed to see it

Former Big10
Reply to  Mn swim
3 years ago

Didn’t Tremm dog start the project in 2013, lol

Little story I’d like to share about Brian that maybe a lot of people don’t know. We swam together, and Brian is an amazing person. One of the kindest people you will ever meet. He was also our 200 flyer, and 2012 was his senior year. He wound up qualifying for a swim off, either for the last scoring spot or first alternate. I can’t remember, and getting results from 10 years ago is kind of a pain.

He did not want to swim three 200 butterfly’s at his last swim meet, and went up to the meet officials and made a proposition. He asked if he and this kid… Read more »

Mn swim
Reply to  Former Big10
3 years ago

I love that. As a former 200 butterflier, I understand where he’s coming from!!!

612
3 years ago

Looking forward to this generation learning about Wilkens (if they don’t already). He is a great reminder of how the combination of hard work and a “stop at nothing” attitude, can bring anyone to the highest levels.

PhillyMark
3 years ago

hopefully Monmouth County is heavily featured

Kitajima Fan
3 years ago

Looking forward to watching this

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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