The Holidays

This last month has been a whirlwind for me.  It started with US Nationals, where I had to grind out a few days of competition with no rest.  Then came Christmas training and the Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool.  This was an amazing setup for a competition:

Unfortunately, this meet came directly after our hardest training cycle of the year.  I wasn’t much of a factor in terms of scoring points for the team, but I also recognize that no Olympic medals are won at this meet.  I had a lot of fun though and enjoyed the experience.  Congrats to former UM teammate, Davis Tarwater, who set the American Record in the 200 fly!  Our final team dinner was held at the Aquarium in Atlanta, which is awesome.  I got this sweet picture of one of the whale sharks.  I also had the chance to visit with former teammate, Ben Michaelson, who is getting married and shipping out to Afghanistan in the Spring.

A few days after the Duel, I headed home to Michigan for Christmas, and to train with my club team, the Oakland Live Y’ers.  In the ATL airport, I saw the “Turtleman,” who is most widely famous for his Youtube video.   It was awesome to go home and see my family and friends.  I really had a good time and it was a nice break from the normal grind.

Bros and swim buddies

The day after Christmas, my family went downtown to the Boll YMCA where my bros and I helped with a swim clinic for some kids in the area.   A good time was had by all.  There are definitely some talented kids in Detroit and I hope they stick with swimming.  A special thanks to Speedo and USA Swimming for donating suits for the Swim Detroit Initiative.  Also, a big thank you to the great folks at the Boll YMCA for all the great work they do for kids in the community.

My friend Isaiah, who attend the event

I flew back to Florida yesterday from Detroit.  My mom convinced me to take one of the summer sausages that came from the deer my dad shot this year during hunting season.  It was frozen and in my carry-on bag.  Needless to say, I was stopped at security because something in my bag looked suspicious.  The kind gentleman working security, opened my bag and gave me a weird look, in which I replied, “It’s just food.”  Apparently the guy at the computer thought is was a water bottle…

Anyways, I’m back to the normal schedule now and getting ready for 2012!