The Road to Nationals - Peter Vanderkaay

The Stats:
Name:  Peter Vanderkaay
Age:   26 (February 12, 1984)
Club:   Club Wolverine
Distance to the 2010 ConocoPhillips National Championships: 2,240 miles

Training and Travel Snap Shot:

Favorite Training Set: Likes to change it up to keep it interesting and introduce new challenges

Least Favorite Training Set: No one in particular

Swimming Road Trip Must-Have Item: The essentials – swimsuit, cap, goggles and PowerBars

Favorite Swimming Road Trip: First time at summer Nationals in 2001 because after the meet, which was held in Clovis, California, he and his coach drove through Yosemite National Park.  “It was nice to get away from the swim meet for a day and see something new”

The Story:

After scoring two medals in Beijing at his second Olympic Games, Peter Vanderkaay wondered if it was time to retire.

“I did think that 2009 was probably going to be my last year,” said the 26-year-old distance freestyler. “But I really enjoyed swimming this past year and I’ve had a lot of fun, so I definitely want to keep going toward 2012.”

And his perseverance has already paid off. Literally. For those following the Grand Prix circuit, last month Vanderkaay won the grand prize of $20,000 at the Charlotte UltraSwim. He placed first in both the 1500-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle and picked up two second-place finishes in the 100 and 200 freestyles. 

“I’ve already had some good races this season long course and feel like I am progressing forward in my training,” Vanderkaay said. “As long as I stay healthy and can keep working hard, I’m ready for Nationals.”

In the six weeks remaining before the 2010 ConocoPhillips National, Vanderkaay plans to compete at two international competitions –in Milan and Quebec - before heading to Irvine with goals that are on a lot of elite athletes’ minds.

“Obviously making the  Pan Pac and World Championships teams are big goals of mine,” said Vanderkaay. “But I’d also like to try and have some best times without the body suit. I think those goals are realistic.”

Seeing Vanderkaay on another international team roster would not be surprising given his past performance record. From 2004 to 2009, he has been part of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay at every major international competition. That invaluable experience will give him an edge going into summer Nationals and as he and his two brothers, Alex and Dane, set their sights on London.

“I think I have a better perspective on the sport being a bit older,” Vanderkaay said. “And now I’m looking forward to trying to be a better swimmer.”