What do the Olympians Have to Say about the Trials

You Can Quote Me

It's four years of waiting. It's pushing yourself past your limits. It's all your hard work finally paying off. It’s the U.S. Olympic Team Trials -- Swimming.

Take it from those who've been there:
 
“The Olympic Trials is probably the most nerve-racking experience there is, just because the American team is so deep, and to have five of the top 10 400 IMers in the world all swimming for two spots on the Olympic Team is probably more stressful than going to the Olympics itself. So with the talent we have in the U.S., you’ve got to be on your “A” game at Trials just to make the team.
Sixteen-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps.

"The atmosphere at Trials is the most intense you can imagine. It’s an incredibly overwhelming experience. They are so stressful it’s crazy, because it’s only six weeks before the Olympics. It’s overwhelming, yet fun."
Eleven-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin

“The Olympic Trials is an action-packed week, full of a lot of emotion, and a lot of ups and downs. It can be a real challenge, but it can also be a positive experience. It’s kind of the pinnacle of the sport for a lot of American athletes. Even those who go on to the Games will say one of the hardest parts of the Olympic experience is just getting through Olympic Trials first.”
Four-time Olympic medalist Ian Crocker

"In 2000 my mom read that less than 1/2 of 1 percent of swimmers in the U.S. makes it to the Olympic Trials. I remember really thinking about that and what a small number of people that really is. I try to remember that now when I think of Trials. It really is a big deal to be there. It really is an honor just to compete."
2008 Olympic medalist Margaret Hoelzer

“Competing at Trials is exciting and very intense at the same time, knowing you only have one chance to prove yourself. There is little room for error but the reward at the end if you can put together the ideal race makes it all worth it.”
Three-time Olympian and gold medalist Jason Lezak

"Olympic Trials is the one of the most intense and high energy swimming experiences anyone can have."
2008 Olympian Eric Shanteau

“Competing in the Olympic Trials is the most exciting competition you can experience in the U.S. The fact that it only happens every four years elevates its importance and excitement. It is the meet that I have been thinking about in the back of my mind while training every day for the past four years. I can't wait.”
U.S. National Teamer Jessica Hardy.

"Olympic Trials is the most nerve-racking meet I've ever been to, even more so than the Olympics. Doesn't matter if you're the American or World record-holder all year, if you don't get first or second at Trials, you don't go to the Olympics."
Five-time Olympian and 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres

“I've had a lot of great memories from competing at Trials. I'm so glad I've had my family there to share them with. It’s a meet unlike any other. There are a lot of emotions on the pool deck. The intensity is high, and there is a lot of energy. It’s a time to step up and give it everything you got. A time to swim with a lot of pride and a lot of heart.”
Two-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist Kaitlin Sandeno

“I'm really excited for Trials. It’s a huge honor to compete to represent the
U.S. at the Olympics. It’s going to be a lot of fun with a ton of fast swimming.”
2008 Olympian Kate Ziegler

“In many respects, Trials is our climax before the actual games. To make our team is certainly something to be proud of. No other country can claim the depth we have.”
Seven-time Olympic medalist Aaron Peirsol

“The two things I love about Trials are the competition and the atmosphere. Every swimmer dreams of making the team, and the crowd loves watching dreams come true.”
Four-time Olympic medalist Brendan Hansen

"An Olympic Trials meet is the most thrilling experience an individual swimmer can go through. The Olympics are about representing the United States and getting the American flagged raised and our national anthem played. Trials, on the other hand, are about showing off all of the hard work put in over a lifetime. It's by far the most emotional meet a swimmer will ever compete in."
Two-time Olympian Megan Jendrick

"For me, competing for one of those spots on the U.S. Olympic Team at Trials is the biggest rush ever. This is the time to dive in the water and do what you have trained to do, as fast as you can do it. You have your teammates and coaches behind you, your family and friends, and fans of the sport all there to support your dream. That is a great feeling!"
Olympic gold medalist Carly Piper