Get to know Nick Vaow, a competitive swimmer who got his start in the YMCA swim program and is now taking his passion for swimming to the collegiate level. Learn about his journey, his goals, and what inspires him both in and out of the pool.
Q: How has participating in YMCA activities influenced your swimming career and personal development?
A: “Participating in the YMCA swim program is how I started my swimming career, and it really prepared me for swimming at the high school level. The YMCA also gave me a lot of opportunities to swim at large meets with people from all over the country.”
Q: What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in swimming so far?
A: “Some of my most memorable moments from swimming include achieving goals and spending time with my teammates both in and outside of the sports setting. One memory I will always cherish is the experience our team has at States every year together, like playing games and having meetings in our hotel rooms.”
Q: How do you think you will balance academics and training as a college athlete?
A: “I think balancing the two in college will be more difficult, but I know I will excel in both as long as I set goals for both my academics and athletics and work towards them separately.”
Q: Can you share any pre-competition rituals or routines that help you prepare mentally and physically?
A: “My pre-swim ritual consists of stretching and staying warm while listening to music to help me better envision my races and what I want to accomplish while I’m in the pool.”
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring swimmers who are looking to pursue the sport at a competitive level?
A: “I would tell aspiring swimmers that the sport is a very mentally and physically tough one to be involved in, but the achievements and rewards you earn from dropping time or doing well in a meet is something that no other sport can replicate. As long as you learn to push through the difficult aspects, the sport will pay you back.”
Q: Outside of swimming, what are your interests and hobbies?
A: “When I’m not swimming, I enjoy lifting and running as well as spending my time with friends and family while doing things that I love such as camping and hiking.”
Q: Who are your role models or inspirations in the world of swimming or beyond?
A: “My biggest role models are Olympic sprinter Caeleb Dressel, D1 swimmer Leon Marchand, as well as my teammates and coaches.”
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations in swimming and in life?
“I will be continuing my swimming career at the collegiate level as a part of the IUP Crimson Hawks swim team. I am hoping to work my way into being a leader for the team as well as continue to drop as much time in my events as possible. At IUP, I will be studying Exercise Science and Kinesiology before attending Physical Therapy and becoming a licensed Physical Therapist.”
Nick Vaow is a dedicated athlete with big dreams for his swimming career and beyond. With a strong work ethic, a love for the sport, and a commitment to his academic endeavors, Nick is sure to make waves both in and out of the pool. Keep an eye out for this talented individual as he works towards his goals and motivates others on his journey.
