Swimming is one of the most watched and exciting competitions at the Summer Olympics.  US swimmers always seem to turn in epic performances.  This year California's Jessica Hardy has a chance to be a shining star for the US Swim Team.

1. Jessica, first off how did you get involved and when did start swimming?

My mom would take my younger sister and I to my gated community’s swimming pool when I was around 7 years old, when I noticed a team would come in the afternoons and I immediately asked my mom if I “could go beat them.” I guess my competitive nature started young.

2. Do you have a meet-day or pre-race routine?

I usually like to grab a cup of coffee on the way to a meet, so that I can drink it while I stretch and listen to music. I generally do the same warm up before every meet, and do a lot of socializing before my race… so I guess that is as close to a routine as you can get.

 3. What events will you swim, or hope to swim at the Olympics?

 Hope to swim the 100 breaststroke and the 50 and 100 freestyle.

4. What event is your favorite to swim?

 The 50 breaststroke! Too bad it’s not an Olympic event :(

5. During the final 25 meters can you hear the crowd or sense your position?

 I can hear the crowd and sense my position pretty much during the entire race. I feed off of energy so I really like loud crowds; however, I have to remind myself to not pay attention to where others are and focus on myself.

6. You’re an attractive blonde from SoCal, competing in one of the Olympics’ marquee events.  You could be the center of attention in August.  – Are you ready that?

I’d love it! I am obviously focusing more on my performances at this point, but any attention would be an honor!

7. With that said, do you feel the extra pressure or think about the opportunities that could come along with winning Olympic medals?

No. I have a performance-based contract with some of my sponsors, where the better I do, or the more medals I win, the more I get paid….which could lead to anxiety. The way I handle it is to honestly block all of that out while I am training and competing. I think about what’s to come after I finish my races and only asset what it means then.

8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not swimming?

I am very easy going. I really like am happy doing almost anything as long as it’s in the sun. I love the beach and spending time doing water activities. Also enjoy shopping and fine dining, what girl doesn’t! I’d be happy doing anything as long as I’m with my family or friends.

9. Ok, final question – If, hopefully when, you win a Gold Medal how will you celebrate? 

I’ll worry about that after it hopefully happens! I don’t think I’ll have a problem celebrating, though!

Thanks again, Best of Luck in Beijing!!!

 Thank you, too!

Follow-Up: Jessica also swims for the University of California Berkeley, where she is a stand-out athlete. Every Olympics the USA seems to have a break out star in the pool, if Jessica can bring home gold, she surely will be one of the most popular athletes in any event. Most of the swimming events take place during the first week of the Games, so be sure to look for Jessica.

Images were used with permission from: Speedo/ Warnaco Swimwear