These are the ones to watch–the athletes from our North Shore communities poised to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing. If the six new World Records set at this year's Olympic swim trials in Omaha are any indication, the Beijing games promise to be a smorgasbord of extraordinary abilities. Keep reading to meet five of our fantastic local athletes…
These are the ones to watch–the athletes from our North Shore communities poised to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing. If the six new World Records set at this year's Olympic swim trials in Omaha are any indication, the Beijing games promise to be a smorgasbord of extraordinary abilities. Keep reading to meet five of our fantastic local athletes…
Jamie Schroeder
To say Wilmette native Jamie Schroeder is multi-talented would be an extreme understatement. A five-time senior national team member and two-time Olympic rower, 26-year-old Schroeder is also fluent in Mandarin; plays the tuba, piano, and guitar; is an accomplished tenor; and currently studies medicine at Johns Hopkins University.
This is Schroeder's second trip to the Olympics; his cox-less four team finished 10th in the 2004 Athens games. His first experience was a whirlwind–Schroeder had only been rowing for four years, and he had only six weeks to prepare for the games. "I was definitely 'on the bubble' so it was unbelievable and unexpected to be able to go." In addition, Schroeder was also "the least experienced and youngest member of the team."
Since the closing ceremonies in Athens, Beijing has been on Schroeder's horizon. Four years later, Schroeder is one of the older and more experienced members of the team. "My training has been more focused," he explains. Despite his preparation, Schroeder still admits to feeling some of the same nervousness–after all, it is the Olympics! Doug and Kristina Lennox
Lake Forest's sibling swimmers Doug, 21, and Kristina Lennox, 23, are primed to make their first appearance at the Olympics this year, competing on behalf of Puerto Rico.
According to Olympic rules, Doug and Kristina are eligible to compete for a country outside the United States, because their mother was born in Puerto Rico. Doug, a rising senior at Princeton University, and Kristina, a graduate of Villanova, are both honored to represent one part of their ethnic heritage. They still have family in Puerto Rico, and make annual summer visits to the island famous for its beaches and rich culture. They also have made annual trips to compete in the Puerto Rican National meet every year since leaving high school– in June, Doug won seven of the eight events he competed in.
Kristina and Doug began swimming early, at ages 8 and 6, respectively. Initially, Doug says he didn't take to the sport–preferring baseball, basketball, and soccer. "I wasn't very good," he admits. But he stuck with it and his talent grew. Soon, swimming became a total "lifestyle"– both an outlet for making friends and a big help in the college admissions process.
Illustrious college swimming careers have prepared them well. Kristina Lennox graduated from college in 2007, and has been training full-time for the past year and will swim in both the 200-fly and 400-freestyle, while Doug will compete in the 100 and 200 butterfly. They both come with a host of supporters that include family, friends, and schoolmates.
Doug, a human rights activist and member of Team Darfur, admits to being a little nervous about the political climate in Beijing. He worries the Beijing officials will be keeping a watchful eye; "I really am going to have to watch what I say, wear, and do."
Political concerns aside, Doug is looking forward to competing, and trying to calm his Olympic jitters. "I'm just keeping my emotions in check and staying positive," says Lennox. And as for a medal? "No expectations, no pressure–I'm just going to do my best."
Matt Grevers
Another swimmer, Lake Forest's Matt Grevers, 23, may still be buzzing from a particularly exciting and emotional Olympic trials final, in which he finished second behind Aaron Peirsol, who set a new world record.
A graduate of Lake Forest High School and Northwestern University, Grevers now calls Tucson, Arizona home. He trains four hours a day, six days a week. "In Tucson,'' he explains, "I just swim. I live the life of a professional athlete. I train against Olympic gold medalists every day. I didn't want to be a financial burden on my parents, but I wanted to train where I could be my best.''
Competing in the 100-meter backstroke is an odd turn of events for Grevers, who was lauded more for his freestyle abilities. Says his coach Frank Busch, "Sometimes, when the pressure isn't on so much, you swim instead of thinking too much…There wasn't a lot of pressure on Matt in the backstroke. But it wasn't that he didn't prepare in that event."
Grevers, who finished 7th at the last Olympic trials in 2004, is humble about his performance, saying, "At the elite level, everyone works equally hard and is equally fit. In the end, races usually come down to who wants them more and who has the confidence to push the edge when the stakes are high."
Now China-bound, Grevers is excited to represent the United States in the global arena. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Grevers's said, "I feel loved by Chicago. And I want to make Chicago proud.'' Matt Grevers Interview Christina Loukas Olympic diver Christina Loukas is the toast of Riverwoods. The North Shore village where Christina was raised has already contacted her mother, Patty Loukas, about adding the Olympic team qualification to the town road signs that bear Christina's name.
This month, Loukas heads to Beijing's Olympic games to compete alongside 11 other divers on the U.S. Olympic team. The 22-year-old will compete in the 3-meter springboard, after winning the event at the Olympic trials in June.
Loukas initially trained to be a gymnast, before setting her sights on diving. While a student at Deerfield High School, her talent in the sport was unparalleled–she set the state record, and went on to win three IHSA state titles. After graduating from Deerfield, she went to Indiana University and trained with Dr. Jeff Huber, a three-time Olympic coach. Loukas was the Big Ten Diver of the Year in her first three seasons and placed second in 1-meter diving at the 2007 NCAA championships.
The Hoosier, who studies Exercise Science, red-shirted this past school year to prepare for the Olympic trial, which consisted of rigorous training five days a week, for four hours a day.
Her preparation has paid off, and her sights are fixed clearly on Beijing gold. She told the Chicago Tribune, "I'd like a medal. If I don't win a medal, I hope I dive well. As long as I do well, I'll be happy." Christina Loukas Diving Video and Interview Sources: USRowing.org, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Tyr.com, MattGrevers.com, PioneerLocal.com
All of these athletes are doing water sports. Is there something about the proximity to the lake that affects our athletic development? by: joyce @ Friday August 8, 2008 | 7:57:41 AM
I can't wait till the games begin! Not only are these kids from my country, they're my neighbors. What fun it will be cheering them on. by: Anonymous @ Friday August 8, 2008 | 9:35:20 AM
Thanks for these great profiles. Best of luck to them! by: dawn @ Friday August 8, 2008 | 11:44:41 AM
Local boy, Matt Grevers, is making Big Waves internationally!! by: susan@aol.com @ Sunday August 10, 2008 | 11:25:41 PM
What a thrill for the families and friends of these athletes, and an experience of a lifetime for the athletes themselves, The Northshore will be cheering for them! by: Catherine @ Monday August 11, 2008 | 1:25:12 AM
To say Wilmette native Jamie Schroeder is multi-talented would be an extreme understatement. A five-time senior national team member and two-time Olympic rower, 26-year-old Schroeder is also fluent in Mandarin; plays the tuba, piano, and guitar; is an accomplished tenor; and currently studies medicine at Johns Hopkins University. 
Lake Forest's sibling swimmers Doug, 21, and Kristina Lennox, 23, are primed to make their first appearance at the Olympics this year, competing on behalf of Puerto Rico. 
Olympic diver Christina Loukas is the toast of Riverwoods. The North Shore village where Christina was raised has already contacted her mother, Patty Loukas, about adding the Olympic team qualification to the town road signs that bear Christina's name.
Comments
All of these athletes are doing water sports. Is there something about the proximity to the lake that affects our athletic development?
by: joyce @ Friday August 8, 2008 | 7:57:41 AM
I can't wait till the games begin! Not only are these kids from my country, they're my neighbors. What fun it will be cheering them on.
by: Anonymous @ Friday August 8, 2008 | 9:35:20 AM
Thanks for these great profiles. Best of luck to them!
by: dawn @ Friday August 8, 2008 | 11:44:41 AM
Local boy, Matt Grevers, is making Big Waves internationally!!
by: susan@aol.com @ Sunday August 10, 2008 | 11:25:41 PM
What a thrill for the families and friends of these athletes, and an experience of a lifetime for the athletes themselves, The Northshore will be cheering for them!
by: Catherine @ Monday August 11, 2008 | 1:25:12 AM