Shannon wows competition at state championships

The moment when a swimmer cuts through the chlorinated air and into the blue is the moment in which swimmer extraordinaire, Caroline Shannon '12, thrives. Shannon calls this the "oh my gosh element" of her sport. This is the time when she explains, "I turn everything off and trust my instincts. Not everything revolves around a specific time, everything revolves around the training and mindset you are in the moment you get up on the block and dive into the pool." It is this clarity of mind that allowed Shannon to place in the top 16 of every event at the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association Championships in Syracuse, N.Y. this past weekend."I was especially happy to make it back to finals top 16 in every event this year."

Shannon reflected on her achievements in an e-mailed statement, "Last year, I didn't make it back [in] the 200m and so one of my goals was to do so this year, and I did precisely that." Interim Coach Paul Kueterman adds, "She was tremendous for our relays. I think she'll be able to take the experience from this year's championship and have a great junior year."

One might think such laudable performances could only come naturally to a demigod; however, through quick-witted strategy, Shannon manages to swim circles around the competition with the grace of a sea nymph and the poise of Poseidon. When speaking of strategy, Shannon maintains that it is of paramount importance to maintain one's speed for the entire race. She offers, "A lot of girls know how to sprint, but finishing it the way you start is what determines a race." Shannon also contributes some slightly satirical yet useful tactical information noting, "I'm smaller than most other girls, so I can ride their wake and be like ‘so you think you're going to beat me? Well, not going to happen!'" While this "smack talk" might inspire a giggle or two, Caroline's discipline is no laughing matter. Coach Kueterman elaborates on the sheer depth of Shannon's discipline and ability: "She knows who her opponents are in every race and how to prepare herself in order for maximum performance. She's able to take experience from previous races and apply that to the upcoming competition." He continues his praises by remarking on Shannon's ability to course correct mid-race, "I know she's very aware of what's happening in her races and how to make adjustments to her stroke during competition in order for best performance."

Shannon's career has been an evolution, and she carries her entire swimming history with her every time she enters the water. Although she firmly considers herself a Vassar swimmer, Shannon cannot disregard the time she spent cultivating her sport with her club team since the age of 13. Shannon feels that each race is a challenge to uphold the honor of both her current team and the teams she has left behind. "I say I have a reputation to live up to," she explains, "I have the reputation of my club to uphold." Drawing inspiration from coaches both past and present, Shannon swims each individual lap with a concern for the representation of her team at the forefront of her mind.

A swimming race is not just a sprint from point A to point B. It is an undersea symphony of mental and physical functions fluidly combining to propel any waterlogged Brewer to victory. Shannon explains that every time she prepares to compete, she always thinks, "Maybe this will be the meet," holding herself to the highest standards. Although she is pleased with her performance this past weekend, Shannon believes that that oh-so-special illusive meet is still just over the horizon, teasing her to swim just a few strokes further and push herself just a little bit harder.