Q&A: Tom Shields, Pt. 1

Tom Shields was interviewed on many different topics relating to swimming. As a high level swimmer it was great insight. Part One.

Nov 4, 2016

By: Troy Nissen

Q&A: Tom Shields Talks Rio Gold, 'Vision' for the Sport

Tom Shields has become a mainstay for the United States in international swimming competitions. Hailing from Huntington Beach, California, the 25-year-old has been a standout since breaking the national high school record in the 200-yard freestyle in 2009 and moving on to a stellar college career at Cal.

After capturing NCAA championships, American records, national and international titles, and most recently a shiny gold medal from Rio in the men's 4x100 medley relay, Shields shares some insight with FloSwimming on his international success and hopes for the future of the sport.

FloSwimming: When did you decide that you wanted to be an Olympian?

Shields: Later in the game than people would expect. I had my eyes on NCAA and high school swimming success. Growing up doing Jr. Guards in the summertime drew me away from long-course focus, so I thought I wasn't very good at it.

I grew up behind some great talents, which also helped solidify those doubts, but people I looked up to nonetheless. Natalie Coughlin, [Anthony] Ervin, Michael Cavic, Chad Carvin, Michael Phelps, Aaron Piersol, Jason Lezak, Lenny Krazylburg all had huge impacts on me, and I got to train and travel with Tony and Nat a bunch later in my career, which has been a dream come true!

FloSwimming: Favorite moment in Rio?

Shields: Probably hanging out with the guys in the dorms. We got to have Murph [Ryan Murphy] and I, Pebs [Jacob Pebley] and Prenot [Josh Prenot], Nathan [Adrian], and Tony [Anthony Ervin] in our suite which was pretty special Cal Bear Bro time.

FloSwimming: You have had a lot of great World Cup success, and swimming for prize money is rare compared to other sports. What was it like traveling the world?

Shields: My time doing them led to some of the best experiences and lessons I've ever been through. I feel that making it a job really made me understand what I want from the sport, and that "success" has various meanings.

True success is continuing to support my family. Focusing on more than just my personal ambitions has helped balance life in a sense. There is also a certain vision I have for the sport, to grow it even beyond the Olympics to see what limits we can push to make swimming a "show" rather than a national honor every four years. Both are valuable, but we can put on a better show as a sport.

FloSwimming: There has been talk of Dave Marsh wanting to start an American Pro League for swimming, and Arena has already gotten its pro series going. What would you like to see in a possible pro league in the USA?

Shields: I am currently in the early stages of planning a boutique event, to fundraise but also to put on a show for local kids and hopefully inspire them into elite swimming outside of a clinic setting. Swim fast, put on a show, and ignite the kids. It would still be personal for the kids -- but instead of skills and drills, they would witness firsthand something they may only see if they watch NCAAs or Worlds.

Other than that, a national team teammate of mine and I once dreamed up a league for swimming. One that would have dual meets that would lead to something; as in qualifying for the championship meet based on dual meet wins, not qualification times. At the time we believed that if you are racing more than seven other people in any event there are too many people at the meet. Only one swimmer in each position swims per dual meet, and only one event in each domain per competition. Distances in each discipline would be decided according to a governing body with best show in mind. Championship meets would be 3-6 sessions.

FloSwimming: How cool was it getting on that Kellogg's box?

Shields: It was the craziest experience I've ever had. I quickly realized how human all the special moments are. One thing I learned from having a huge corporation support me was that that thinking is wrong- anyone can make it with determination.

To any young athlete reading that thinks they can make the Olympics, know this: the feelings, emotions, and experiences at the Olympic Games are no different from Jr. Olympics or whatever meet you put intention on. It is pure and simple a human moment- just another meet. There is no special version of you that you will be by the time you're "ready". Your approach will feel the same it feels everyday, so keep marching towards your dreams.

FloSwimming: Swimming is a sport that demands sticking to the process. What keeps you focused and motivated?

Shields: I like to focus on it like Sisyphus. Sisyphus was a Greek tragic hero that was selfish, divisive, and in his cunning got himself cursed to carry a rock up a hill that would return to the bottom as soon as he was done. Eventually, being done left his mind, because that was impossible.

His mindset goes from end-goal, to being lost in the task. While that is not complete approach, as in I do not want to get so lost in training I forget how to race- a real risk- this mindset helps me forget the totality of work to be found in a season and focus in on today's rock I need to carry up that mountain.

Check out part two HERE.