Swimmer Missy Franklin on Preparing for the London 2012 Olympics
Like most teenagers, Missy Franklin is juggling final exams and prom this time of year—but she also has another concern: earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic swimming team. The 6-foot-1 high school junior, who currently holds world records in the 200-meter backstroke and the 400-meter medley relay, is one of the international leaders in her sport. Though Missy is a fierce and focused competitor, she enjoys , Lululemon leggings, and mac and cheese just as much as any other teen. Read on to learn about how she juggles a professional athlete's career with everyday high school life.
Mitchell Haaseth/NBC1/7The 16-year-old world record holder is hoping to meet Prince Harry and the One Direction boys at the Summer Games.
Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics2/7"I'm in my junior year of high school in Colorado, and am trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA, get ready for my AP and ACT exams, keep up with my training and competitions. I swim with the Colorado Stars team for two hours six to eight times a week. In addition, I work with my trainer for three hours a week. I'm training hard, but I'm trying to balance it all with normal teenage activities. My prom is coming up, and I actually just found my dress while in Indianapolis for the Grand Prix competition."
Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics3/7"When I was 12 years old, my coach asked me what my goals were for the year, and I replied to qualify for the Olympic Trials. I qualified in three events and participated in the Olympic Trials in June 2008 when I was 13. I loved every second of this experience, and knew that in 2012, I wanted to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. I have worked as hard as I can every day since then preparing for this June. If I do make the US Olympic Team this summer, it'll be a longtime dream come true."
Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics4/7"I'm a casual Colorado girl! In school, I wear a uniform of polo shirt and khakis. Otherwise, my closet is full of Lululemon, jeans, and sweats! My favorite designer is Chelsea Franklin. You may not have heard about her yet, but you will. She is my cousin and a sophomore at the Rhode Island School of Design. I can't wait for her to design me a dress for the Golden Goggle Awards, the swimming award extravaganza."
Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics5/7"I am currently reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. It's required reading for AP English. I have lots of favorite books, especially in the fantasy genre. I have read The Hunger Games trilogy twice!"
"I absolutely love music; it makes me so happy. Country and hip hop are my favorite genres, and I like listening to hip hop before races because it gets me dancing and relad."
Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics6/7"I really believe that healthy living needs to be a lifestyle. It just doesn't work to only make an effort before competitions. I love to eat healthily, and I often ask my mom for a big Greek salad. I really don't eat fried foods and am very particular about fast food. Before meets, I increase my carbs. I love pasta, especially my mom's mac and cheese."
Photo: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Olympics7/7"From June 25 to July 2, I'll be competing in Omaha at the Olympic Trials. It all comes down to that week. The top two swimmers in each event, plus extras for relays, make the Olympic team. If I do get to London, it'll be so much fun to live in the Olympic Village and meet athletes from all over the world. After swimming is over, we're allowed to request tickets for other events. I've heard that Prince Harry and the British band One Direction will be at the Olympics, and I can't imagine anything more exciting than meeting them."
