Seniors swimmers Kelly Fertel and Nicole Urquidi have qualified to participate in next summer’s Olympic Trials. Fertel will compete in the Individual 400m Medley, while Urquidi will participate in the 400m Freestyle. Both competed in the 17 and under age group. Fertel finished with an impressive time of 4:50.10, as did Urquidi, with a final time of 4:17.50 in their separate competitions.
Both girls are ranked nationally in their two respective categories, Fertel being 9th in the nation and Urquidi coming in at 13th. Despite recognized as two of the nation’s best swimmers, the spotlight doesn’t faze them.
“Most of the time we don’t really think about how we’re ranked. When you’re swimming you’re racing against the clock more than anything else,” said Urquidi.
Both swimmers continue to train rigorously as they prepare to reach their Olympic goals.
“Our training has been very specialized to focus on our specific events and maximizing our potential. It has been very tough but in the end it will be worth it,” said Fertel.
With the success of qualifying for the Olympic Trials, the athletes are dealing have handled the stress positively.
“For me, reaching the Trials has actually taken a lot of pressure off. My main goal was to qualify and I accomplished that. However, leading up to qualifying I felt a lot of pressure but now that I made it I am able to relax a little,” said Urquidi.
Although both girls love to swim and are self-motivated, they both look for an extra push when needed at times.
“Our coach has been my biggest motivator. He’s always pushing us to be great but he also encourages us to focus on school and having fun. He believes in having a full balanced life,” said Urquidi.
Along with their coaches, their teammates and friends have also been there by the girls’ side every step of the way. Their support has built a better relationship within the team, which could be pivotal during the school season.
“Our teammates have been very supportive as well, they always have our backs. They were all super happy for us, there support has made us closer as a team,” said Fertel.
The girls hope to continue their success throughout the school swim season, and next summer at the Olympic Trials. The Trials will be held in Omaha, Nebraksa from June 26th through July 3rd next summer.
