8B
Thursday, February 13, 1997
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Swimmer's goals keep her motivated
By Kelly Cannon Kansan sportswriter
Dedicating 17 years of one's life to a sport may seem difficult to some people, but for junior swimmer Kristin Nilsen it has been a challenge she has met one goal at a time.
"What has kept me in it is that I have set my
own goals," Nilsen said. "My parents never set them for me.
"My mom put me in swim lessons when I was three or four," Nilsen said. "She didn't know how, and she wanted her kids to be safe in the water and have fun."
Kristin Nilsen
What started as swimming lessons evolved into more. Nilsen said
that when she was in second grade she askea her parents if she could join the summer-league swim team. When she reached the fifth grade, she began to swim year-round.
"My mom and dad figured it would be OK," Nilsen said. "But I don't think they thought it would last."
Above: Junior swimmer Kristin Nilsen has been swimming competitively since she was in the second grade. She started swimming when she was four years old. Top: Nilsen, St. Louis junior, propels down the lane at Robinson Athletic Center.
James Grau / KANSAN
But it did last.
Many times, when athletes begin competing at an early age, the proverbial burn-out sets in.
However, in Nilsen's experience, this has not been the case.
"My parents were never the little-league parents type," Nilsen said. "My parents always let me set my own goals, and I have done it because I loved it. I don't know why I haven't burned out."
Nilsen remained busy with her U. S. Swimming team, and upon entering Parkway West High School in St. Louis, she began swimming for the school's team.
By the time she graduated, Nilsen was a state champion in the 500-meter freestyle and the 100-meter breaststroke as well as a four-time member of the honor roll.
Through the U. S. team, she qualified for Junior Nationals in the 200- and 400-meter individual medleys and the 100- and 200-meter breaststrokes.
Kansas swim coach Gary Kempf said Nilsen was a national caliber breaststrooker and individual-medley swimmer.
Nilsen said that swimming in college was always a goal she had.
"In junior high I made it a goal to go to college on a swimming scholarship," she said. "I didn't know if I would make it, but I never set goals like going to the Olympics because I knew they weren't attainable."
Nilsen said she didn't have grandiose plans when she picked the college she wanted to attend.
"I knew I didn't want to swim for Texas or Stanford, and in the end it was narrowed down to the University of Illinois at Champaign and KU," she said.
Nilsen's personal bests
Kempf became aware of Nilsen because her brother was at Kansas.
200-meter breast stroke ... 2.16:83
200-meter individual medley ... 2:03.01
400-meter individual medley ... 4:19.70
"She was a good swimmer in high school," Kempf said. "I talked to her and was impressed with her."
Nilsen said that several things had contributed to her decision to choose Kansas.
"I'm from St. Louis, and it's not that far from home," Nilsen said. "I like the coaching staff and the team atmosphere. I could be at home and fit in."
"Some of the schools I visited asked me if I wanted to be a big star at the beginning, or work my way up. I told them that I just wanted to contribute to the team in whatever way I could."
Nilsen's list of accomplishments, both in and out of the pool, is extensive, Kempf said.
"She is an All-American and a Jaahawk Scholar, "Kempf said. "Her character and attitude are the type you build a foundation around."
Nilsen is a three-time All-American. Swimmers are awarded All-American awards when
they place in the top 16 of any event at the NCAA championship meet. Nilsen earned her awards as a part of the 200-, 400- and 800-meter freestyle relay teams.
"I have gone to the NCAA championships both years, but I would really like to earn an individual All-American," Nilsen said. "I would
love to be in the top 16 in any event."
In the end, it is Nilsen's quiet leadership that is an asset to the team, Kempf said.
"She leads by example in practice," Kempf said. "She cares for everyone. When she speaks, people listen. I want her to have the greatest year she's ever had."
Today's Birthday (Feb.13)
You are stronger than usual this year, and luckier. Set financial goals in March. Learn through experience in April. May's the best for buying real estate. Celebrate in June and then get back to work in July. Take a trip to your past in October and get a glimpse of your future. An insider's tip makes the difference in December. Clean up old business next January and launch a glorious new enterprise.
Aquarus (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Today is an 8.
A new household appliance could be a good investment. Once it's paid for, it will save maintenance costs. Make sure you get one that will last long. Meanwhile, ignore gossip from a bitter person. Find out the facts yourself by going to the source.
Plsces (Feb. 19-March 20) - Today is a 6.
HOROSCOPES
Gaining a new skill could lead to a raise in pay. A friend can lead you in the right direction. Don't follow too close, though. Make modifications to fit your own needs. Take extra time with your homework tonight. It's tough, but it'll be worth it.
Aries (March 21-April 19) - Today is an 8. A friend's mistake can teach you a good lesson. Make sure you don't do the same silly thing yourself. Take your own sweet time making a decision involving your hard-earned money. A gamble probably won't pay off, but a calculated risk might.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) - Today is a 6.
You're strong, vigorous and good looking.
Don't expect to get everything you want without a fight, however. If the other person wants the prize more than you do, it may not be worth the effort. The work
you're doing now will pay off later.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) - Today is an 8.
Too bad there's work to be done. You're in the mood to play. So's your sweetheart, so don't worry. There will be plenty of time for that later. Meanwhile, make sure financial paperwork is filled out correctly.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) - Today is a 7.
You could have a very productive meeting today. You and a bunch of your friends may come up with a way to make more money, it might be for a worthy cause, or it might be for yourselves. Start with an old-fashioned idea and add modern technology.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) - Today is a 5.
Don't expect to accomplish anything
quickly. First you'll have to consider all of
the consequences of your actions. Any
you miss will be provided by a jury of your
peers. Your friends may be critical now, but they can save you trouble later. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - Today is a 6. Your workload is intense all week long. Today, get some help from a distant friend. He or she may be able to provide something you need, so you don't have to do it yourself. Don't be afraid to learn something that looks too difficult.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) - Today is an 8.
You may get help with a domestic problem that's been giving you fits. If money's still tight, try trading for what you want. It's hard to keep your mind on business when you're so much in love. If this hasn't happened yet, watch out!
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) - Today is a 6.
Get a friend to fight on your side today.
Apart, you don't stand much of a chance,
but together you can at least slow the
competition. Your alliance is complicated
by the fact that you and the friend don't always get along. Disregard that.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Today is a 7. If you get the chance to do extra work today, take it. If you don't need the money now, you will soon. Something you want, or already bought, may cost more than you figured. You're good at fixing things, though. That will help a lot.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Today is a 6. You may be plagued by self-doubt. But if things aren't going the way you expected, it's probably not your fault. And there's something else you haven't considered: These changes could turn out to be better for you in the long run.
NOTE: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
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