Haley Anderson, an Olympic medalist and NCAA champion, is looking to make 2013 even more special than 2012. Anderson, the senior co-captain for the women's swim team, has been on a whirlwind journey during her four years at USC. Most recently, she took home silver from the 2012 London Olympic games, which came less than five months after winning her first NCAA title for the 500y freestyle.
"It definitely was surreal to be there after watching it when I was younger," Anderson said. "You always have those dreams about going to the Olympics when you're young. You don't realize how close you are to the action until you are actually there."Though Haley Anderson is no stranger to the national spotlight, competing in the Olympics was brand new territory for her.
"I have competed for the U.S. at different meets but at the Olympics it was just a completely different level. As an American swimmer, there are these high expectations set for you because we are such a dominant country in terms of swimming so it was amazing to be a part of that."
Anderson fulfilled her childhood dream of competing in the Olympic games and better yet, made history by becoming the first American swimmer to medal in the marathon swim event. She was 0.4 seconds shy of claiming gold. Despite her phenomenal performance at the London games, Anderson still remains anonymous to most students on the USC campus.
"No, I wasn't really recognized after the Olympics. I flew under the radar," Anderson said. "Swimming isn't the most highly publicized sport. It has become more popular but only a few swimmers are recognized."
USC-affiliated athletes won 25 medals at the 2012 London games, more than any other American university. Anderson was honored to be a part of this historic moment in school history. "It was cool coming back to campus because there are so many people around this campus that have done amazing things, to be recognized as one of those people is an honor," Anderson said.
Haley and company host their final regular season meet against crosstown rival, UCLA, on Saturday, a day sure to be bittersweet. "It is really exciting that it is my last match but at the same time it is sad because I can't believe it has already been four years," Anderson said. "I am excited though that our last meet is against our crosstown rival UCLA."
The Trojans are currently in good standing to possibly claim the national title and Anderson believes that this may be the year to do so. "We are definitely up there. We have gotten third the past two years," Anderson said. "It has definitely been exciting to see our progress and see our team's improvement. I think we are in reach to win a national title."
Whether or not the Trojans win the 2013 national title, Anderson will leave behind a great legacy: Olympian, All-American, and NCAA champion.
