Mighty Barracuda Olympic Trials Spotlight: Maizie Moustgaard

Mighty Barracuda Olympic Trials Spotlight: Maizie Moustgaard
Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Swimmer: Maizie Moustgaard
Age: 16
Current Grade: 11
School: St Mark High School
Plans for Next Year: Maizie still has one more year of high school, but has already committed to Eastern Michigan University as part of the class of 2029
Years Swimming: 11 years total, 2 as a Junior Barracuda and 9 on the competitive team.  Always a Barracuda!
Events at Olympic Trials: 100 FLY, 200 FLY

Pre-Race Routine: Listen to music, talk to my friends, get activated and dial in.
Best Pump Up Song: Maneater by Nelly Furtado
Favourite Food: Pasta, and on deck goldfish and juice boxes
What she does when a race doesn’t go as planned: Keep your head up and move on.  One poor race isn't going to define you -  there is always room for improvements.

If she could give advice to her 10 year old self, what would it be? Just keep swimming.


Maizie's journey through the waters of competitive swimming is one marked by unwavering dedication in pursuit of excellence, buoyed by tenacity, and underscored by a profound love for the sport of swimming. It all began  when she  splashed into the shallow end as a Junior Barracuda at the age of 5. Two short years later, she was diving head first into the world of competitive swimming.  Nine years on, and still counting, she is on a journey that has not only been rife with athletic success but more significantly one that has shaped her character and defined her passion.

From the outset, Maizie was different. While many of her peers focused first on achieving a standard,  Maizie found herself drawn to the process—the relentless grind of training and the discipline required to push herself beyond her limits, even when every muscle screamed in protest. “I was never focused on the times of what I was going.  I would and still do, focus on my race plan and if I make a new time standard then that's great, but I never would look at meets that I want to make.” Given her mindset, it almost seems logical that her favorite events are those that many deem the most grueling, such as the 200 FLY which is as much about physical endurance as it is mental fortitude.  While others shied away from the challenge, Maizie embraced it.

You’ll probably find it unsurprising that when she was in turn asked about her favourite part of swimming, and her favourite part of NKB, she replied with training camps.  Training camps are notoriously the most demanding and physically exhausting weeks of an entire swim season.  They’re also famously where some of the deepest bonds with teammates are forged.  “The fun part is getting to see my friends and get through hard practices together … Training camps allow for new friendships to be formed, and current friendships to be bonded even tighter.” These friends are a constant source of support and encouragement in a sport that demands nothing less than everything you have to give.  “My favourite thing about NKB is how it is a second family to me.  With the extensive hours spent with each other, I really get to know them as my family.  We go through so many hard sets, many highs and lows, and we are always there for each other.  They are my home away from home.” 

While Maizie lays testament to the power of team and the impact it has had on her own swimming journey, anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Maizie knows the impact she can leave on others.  Maizie has been a fixture at NKB in leading team spirit for years.  Whether it’s coordinating spirit gear for Green & Black Spirit Day with her best friends, crafting green scrunchies for up and coming Barracudas, high fiving and cheering determined teammates completing their first Swim A Thon, or leading dance party activations on training camp, she always shows up for teammates in unexpected ways.  Throw in a little sarcastic wit and her ability to make challenging situations into something entertaining, and we can confidently say if you could pick who to have in the trenches with you during a 7x200s FLY set, Maizie would be your obvious choice again and again.  

Her parents echo the same sentiments.  “Maizie doesn't need her parents to brag for her - her charisma and energy speaks for itself.  We are, though, very proud of her determination, dedication, and her ability to dig-deep (even when it hurts).  While it is really tough to balance what is needed to be a competitive swimmer and student and have fun, Maizie has done a really good job.  Can't wait to see what's next in store!.”  Neither can we, Maizie! We can not wait to see the results that come from of the years of hard work and fun you have put into your swimming. 





Stay tuned to your email for daily stories of our athletes as we approach the 2024 Bell Canadian Olympic Trials, or visit the News section of the  NKB Swimming website for current and past stories.