Santo Condorelli puts energy into winning swim medal in Rio
'Hanging out' with friends no longer top priority for USC star
By Doug Harrison, CBC Sports
After earning his nomination to the Olympic swim team at the Canadian trials in April, Santo Condorelli's words spoke volumes.
"Sub-par in my opinion," the 21-year-old said after achieving the required 48.99 seconds in the 100-metre freestyle with a 48.16 effort in Toronto. "Forty-eight-one isn't going to cut it when it comes to Rio. I have a lot more to work on."
Three years ago, as a freshman at the University of Southern California, Condorelli accepted disappointing swim results too easily, showing more interest in hanging out with friends and frequenting local drinking establishments than improving his standing in the pool.
"I never really put 100 per cent [into swimming]. I didn't give myself that opportunity … to realize how good I could be until I put all that [other] stuff aside," he told CBC Sports.
'What's the point of waking up at 5:30 in the morning just to swim slow?- Canadian swimmer Santo Condorelli on his new approach to training
Condorelli became frustrated in the pool and started questioning his focus and dedication to training. When he decided to get serious about swimming, he hired Coley Stickels, whom Condorelli knew from his childhood days living and training in Lake Oswego, Ore., where Stickles was head of the local swim club.
"What's the point of waking up at 5:30 in the morning just to swim slow?" said Condorelli, the Japanese-born, Portland-raised Condorelli. "I've put all this time and effort in [at college] why not shoot for being the best."
No regrets
Condorelli, a Canadian by way of his mom, who hails from Kenora, Ont., said he has no regrets. College life was fun and helped him grow, but more important things lied ahead.
The old Condorelli never aspired to being a medal contender and viewed competing at a Summer Olympic Games as merely something he could put on his resume.
But that all changed under the guidance of Stickels, a smart coach in all aspects of swimming. Condorelli said Stickels' guidance extended from weight training to nutrition.
"We're on the same path. We want to be … at the top level … coming away from [this summer's Olympics in] Rio … with a medal," said Condorelli, an eight-time NCAA All-American and big contributor to USC's fourth-place finish at the 2015 NCAA championship meet.
Condorelli didn't compete for the USC Trojans this year in order to train for Rio with Stickels in Santa Clarita, Calif.
After winning four medals, including silver in the 100-metre freestyle, at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, Condorelli beat swim icon Michael Phelps for silver last November in the 100 butterfly at a U.S. event, and earned bronze in the 100 free at a Rio test event in April.
Now, the Canadian has his sights set on breaking 48 seconds in Rio in the 100 free.
"I think we're on a great track," said Condorelli. "It's [about] staying focused, not getting off track, realizing why I'm here.
"It's kind of boring. You're not with the boys, you're not hanging out getting in trouble, doing stupid things. But me realizing my goal in medalling at the Olympics is so much greater now."