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Former Harker gridiron and swimming stalwart Cole Davis ’10, along with several of his Stanford University swim teammates, competed in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, held June 25 – July 2 in Omaha, Neb.
Although Davis did not place on the team, the experience was one he will never forget. “Olympic trials were really fun,” said Davis. “I was there for about ten days and only raced for 23 seconds, so most of the time I was a spectator, but it was cool to see such an important meet from a behind the scenes perspective. I was seated 106th going in and only 16 advance. I had a decent race, not my best, but I wasn’t expecting to make it to semi-finals, so it wasn’t a crushing disappointment.” The event had a serious wow factor: along with substantial security by U.S. Army troops, “I’ve never swam in a pool with a jumbotron above my head, cameras on the bottom, and flame throwers on the side,” said Davis.
Prior to heading off to Omaha to try out for the U.S. Olympic team, Davis and his teammates had the unique opportunity to train with former Olympic coach Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas at Harker’s Singh Aquatic Center.
In addition to working with Davis and his teammates over the course of a weekend, Sokolovas offered high-level training tips to Harker’s swimming and water polo coaches. A former professional marathon swimmer, Sokolovas has tested, evaluated and advised many U.S. swimming national and Olympic team athletes and coaches.
The private training sessions for the Stanford swimming teammates was made possible by Davis’ parents, John and Christine Davis, who, back in the fall of 2007, generously donated the funds to build the upper school’s athletic field. Christine Davis said that Cole and his friends had been staying with them since the end of school, leading to “some priceless dinner conversation.”
Following the conclusion of the trials, USA Swimming named the complete roster for the 2012 U.S. Olympic swim team. While female swimmers often peak in their teens, men usually peak in their mid- to upper-20s. So for Davis and his Stanford swimming teammates, all 20 years old, simply qualifying to compete at such a high level is an amazing feat.