Ready for More
9/9/2021 8:48:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
As I entered the U.S. Olympic Trials, I felt a sense of calm. Yes, there were nerves, yes, there was excitement, but overall, there was a sense of calm. A sense that this was my moment. My chance to just swim, compete, and have fun. That's not a popular thing to say. We're supposed to be aggressive, ruthless competitors, doing everything we can to win.
At times, during my swimming career, coaches have questioned my lack of aggression and even implied I wasn't "tough enough" or "cracked under pressure."
These accusations frustrated me, but I knew it was just a misunderstanding. What people saw as weakness or lack of toughness was really just a calm athlete ready to perform. And perform I did at the Olympic trials! I finished second in the 100-meter backstroke and first in the 200-meter backstroke. The feeling was ineffable. The joy was one of the greatest moments — not just in my career but in my life.
What made it even better was that my family was there to celebrate with me. With all the Covid precautions, that wasn't exactly a given, so I'm very thankful my family was there to support me the way they have throughout my career.
It was amazing to realize a lifelong dream and qualify for the Olympics.
Doing this not just for myself but for my family, the state of Utah, and Alabama was something I'll never take for granted.
Job Not Finished
But once I had qualified for the Olympics, I wanted more.
One thing people don't talk about enough is how you have to go to a whole other level to do well at the Olympics. Despite the accomplishments and awards on my resume, I knew I'd have to do things I had never done before to do well in Tokyo.
I'd have to be isolated from everyone, fly across the world, and compete against not just the best in the country, but the best swimmers in the world. What got me here wasn't going to be enough to take me where I wanted to go. Period.
Confidence Coach
To deal with the isolation, the pressure, and the unique environment in Tokyo, I started seeing a "confidence coach."
She was someone I would talk to, confide in, and help me when I needed a pick me up. Those meetings played a massive role in my career. Seriously, it helped me a ton.
Overall, I wish we would be more supportive of athletes working on their mental health. It's instrumental to success.
Unfortunately, it still feels like a thing that is stigmatized. But part of ending that stigmatization is sharing our stories and letting people know it's okay to work on the mental aspect of the game.
I knew I had an Olympic-strong body, but I needed an Olympic-strong mind as well. So, I talked with my confidence coach.
We talked about the isolation of being an athlete. The challenges of competing with no fans, friends, or family.
About my conceptions of aggression and what competing was really about.
She made me feel strong and certain.
Yes, some of us were going to win, and some of us were going to lose, but the pursuit is what binds us all. The spirit of competition, the respect for one another, the love of the sport — isn't that, ultimately, what the Olympics are all about?
Medaling in Tokyo
And obviously, having success made the experience in Tokyo so much better. I won the Silver medal in the 400-meter relay. It felt appropriate that I won a medal as part of a team. It wasn't an individual performance, but a group effort to work together and be better than the sum of our parts. It was a beautiful moment that made all those hundreds of thousands of hours of work in the water worth it.
To do that for Team USA, Alabama, and my family and friends will be a moment I'll never forget.
With the Closing Ceremonies come and gone, that's a wrap on The Tide in Tokyo, with Alabama earning 5? medals including a??by Rhyan White!#OlympiansMadehere #BamaSpeed #RollTide pic.twitter.com/DkFzBTFIAL
— Alabama Swim & Dive (@AlabamaSwimDive) August 8, 2021
Falling short
But for every success, there are multiple failures. And Tokyo was no different. Maybe failure is a bit too harsh, but I was just shy of medaling in both the 100 and 200-meter backstroke, finishing fourth in both events.
For some, the disappointment of being one spot shy of medaling in two events would be devastating, but for me, it only made me hungrier for more. Hungrier to compete, hungrier to improve, hungrier to finish my career at Alabama strong.
Sports are synonymous with life. You can't have the joy of victory without the agony of defeat. In Tokyo, I experienced both. There is something hauntingly beautiful about that.
Roll Tide
Alabama has been on my mind since I was 12 years old. One of my coaches joined the staff around that time, and from then on, it was all about Alabama for me.
I only heard good things about the school and the program, so when it came time to pick a university, there was really only one choice.
Being part of The University of Alabama community has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It's been an honor and a privilege, and I just hope I can pay back some of what this place has given me.
I'm beyond looking forward to competing this year and giving my all.
To lead my teammates and my community.
To teach my peers all the things I've learned along my journey.
To be an example and set a standard for every swimmer that has the honor to represent the Crimson Tide.
I can't wait to get started again.
Roll Tide!
