Keys to Success: Whitney Sprague

Five Keys to Success with 2009 World University Games medalist Whitney Sprague

1. Determination. When you come up against an obstacle, you just have to keep on going, otherwise, you won’t end up achieving anything. I had so many obstacles the past year. It was obvious I would not succeed if I did not push through them.

2. Set really good short-term goals. My entire 2009 was short-term goals, just one foot in front of the other. I had knee surgery in November and had to take a month and a half off from swimming in the middle of the season. But I worked hard each day to get back.

3. Find a good support system. I could not have done it without my trainers, friends and parents, and all the coaches and teammates I have had. They can always help bring you up and help you realize that the goal is only a little bit further in front of you. It’s nice to have that kind word when you are not feeling that hot.

4. Take good care of your body. I did not do this very well for a while, but in the end, I started listening to my coaches, trainers and doctors. You need their help so you can focus on what you need to do. You have to train properly, eat right and take care of your body outside of the pool. You also have to do your physical therapy if you are coming back from an injury. I learned that one the hard way.

5 Have fun. I have to have fun while I am swimming, or I just can’t do it. I always try to keep a good attitude and have a smile on my face while I am training. If you are not happy, it’s just not going to be fun. The people around you get down, too, and it’s a chain reaction. So I learned, through being on a team, the importance of staying positive.