Throughout the 2009-10 swimming and diving season, LSUsports.net will sit down for a Q&A with a key member of the LSU swimming and diving teams. Today’s edition features junior Jane Trepp, a three-time All-American and program record-holder in seven events who talks about her success in international competition, future Olympic aspirations and her leadership role with the Lady Tigers.
Fans can see Jane and the rest of the Lady Tigers this Saturday as the team faces the Tennessee Lady Vols at 11 a.m. (CT) in the LSU Natatorium (corner of Nicholson Drive and W. Chimes Street). The LSU men will duel the Tennessee men on Friday at 4 p.m. Admission to both meets is free.
LSUsports.net: You represented your native country of Estonia at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome last summer and had the chance to race some of the fastest swimmers in the world. Tell me a little bit about that experience.
Jane: I would say it was the biggest meet I have ever participated in during my swimming career. My goal was to improve my best times in every event that I swam, and I succeeded. Racing with the fastest swimmers in the world was definitely an experience like no other. I gained so much confidence and belief in myself. It made me realize that one day it could be me standing behind the block in a semifinal or final.
LSUsports.net: Are you eyeing the 2012 Olympic Games in London?
Jane: Yes. That is actually my long-term goal that I am working on right now.
LSUsports.net: You are known for your tremendous versatility. What is your favorite stroke or event?
Jane: Well, it actually depends on the circumstances. I like sprint distances, so all 50s work for me. I absolutely love the 50 breaststroke, but unfortunately it is limited to only certain meets. I like the feeling of not holding anything back, not pacing or thinking, just going all out, and that’s what sprint is all about.
LSUsports.net: You were named one of the Lady Tigers’ team captains this season. What are some of the responsibilities that go along with being a team captain?
Jane: Having such high hopes and goals for the team make the captains work even harder. As a captain you have the responsibility of making sure the team is really what that word means — unified, strong and goal-oriented. Every person on the team is like a piece of a puzzle holding the whole picture together. Four of us — the captains — are the corner pieces that direct the others and won’t let anyone fall out.
LSUsports.net: There are quite a few new faces on the women’s team this year. What is your impression of the newcomers thus far?
Jane: Actually it feels like we have a whole new team. They say that every beginning is hard, but it is amazing how fast we all clicked and became so close. I am absolutely stunned how fast the ladies are. They are focused and ready to give 100 percent every time it is needed. I know I can rely on every single girl without having a doubt in my mind that she might fail. It is very hard for me to dignify any one girl just because they are all so fast!
LSUsports.net: What goals would you like to accomplish by the end of the season?
Jane: By the end of the season I want to look back and see myself as a person who gave her best in every practice, stood for the team at the meets and enjoyed what she was doing. I want to know that I have done everything right in order to be the fastest I could possibly be.