It’s a quarter till five, tailwind of summer, and Josh Prenot is swimming laps at practice while the rest of his swim team is on break.
“During the training season, I usually have 10 practices a week, which amounts to 24 hours a week,” Prenot said.
“After Saturday, I get a break,” he added with a dash of optimism.
Of course, it won’t be much of a break since the team gets back to training on Sept. 1. Santa Maria Swim Club’s practices may be strenuous, but combined with Prenot’s passion for swimming, they’re working well for him. He may already be on his way to the U.S. Olympic Trials in four events: the 200 and 400 individual medley, as well as the 100- and 200-meter butterfly,
after his impressive work at the USA Nationals and USA Junior Nationals.
Santa Maria Swim Club coach Mike Ashmore believes Prenot can get four more events.
“[The U.S.] Olympic Trials are a pinnacle achievement,” Ashmore said. “If you place third in the meet, it could be argued that you would finish third in the Olympics.”
In addition to the confidence in Prenot attending the Olympic Trials, he’s qualified for the National Youth Team and will be representing the United States next year.
With all of Prenot’s success, Ashmore is expecting great things for the young swimmer when it comes time for college.
“He’s going to have the pick of the litter,” he said. “He’ll be able to go wherever he wants to go in this country.”
On the top of the college list for Prenot is the University of Southern California.
This article appears in Aug 19-26, 2010.