University of Tennessee Athletics
Making Waves: Samuel Rairden
March 20, 2012 | Men's Swimming & Diving
March 20, 2012
JORDAN PREWITT
UTSPORTS.COM
Experience is key for Samuel Rairden as he prepares to swim alongside the nation's best starting Thursday at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in Federal Way, Wash.
As a freshman year ago, Rairden qualified for his first NCAA meet and finished a surprise 14th place in the 100-yard backstroke, which earned him honorable mention All-America honors.
Now a sophomore, Rairden has his sights set even higher at the national level. He's demonstrated his improvement and versatility throughout his second season at Tennessee. Last month at the SEC Championships, he took silver in the 100 backstroke, finished fourth in the 200 backstroke and was seventh in the 200 freestyle.
Rairden was selected to the NCAA championship field thanks to a 46.68-second time in the 100 backstroke. He's also posted NCAA qualifying times in the 200 backstroke and freestyle.
The native of Richmond, Va., talks preparations and expectations for the NCAAs:
Q: What are some of your goals for your second NCAA Championship meet?
A: Well, the first time I went it was a big learning experience. It was a lot different than the SEC Championship. I learned that I have to bring a lot of self motivation because the whole team is not there with us. I think we have a small, but talented group going. Everyone on the team has been clicking really well also.
Q: Since last year was your first year going, talk about that experience and anything that you learned from it that you will take into this years meet.
A: This year I know my race a lot better than I did last year. Last year I was a little overwhelmed at big meets and got nervous for finals. This year I know I will be more relaxed and take things a little bit easier.
Q: Since this is a meet away from your home crowd and with a smaller team, what do you do to get yourself focused and pumped up for your races?
A: I like to visualize my races. The night before each race I run through whatever race I have the next day and I plan out what I am going to do for warm-up and plan out how much time I have between races. I just like having a plan and knowing what I am going to do.
Q: Olympic trials are in Seattle this year, have you ever been there before and are you excited about the trip?
A: " My club team actually went there Jr. Nationals, and I really liked the city and getting to hang out there."
Q: What are some goals you have after NCAAs?
A: I really want to get in shape for the (Olympic) trials. My goal is to get to the second round of trials this year.
Q: How is it working with a smaller team for NCAAs?
A: The group that is going is probably one of the hardest working groups I have ever been with. Everyone is supporting each other and it's cool to train with each other and push each other in practice.
