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Jack Smith is a senior freestyler on the Iowa men’s swimming and diving team. The Stoke-On-Trent, England, native is a two-time NCAA qualifier for the Hawkeyes. He was an honorable mention All-American as part of the 200-free relay as a junior.
You have a strong schedule this year hosting teams like Michigan and Denver, what goals does the team hope to accomplish this year?
“It’s always nice to win a dual meet, but at the end of the day working hard and continuing what we’ve done will help us not only win those close dual meets, but prepare us to do well at our championship meets.”
How has the team transitioned from last year to this year?
“We have had a good transition from last year’s team to this year’s team. We had a lot of strong performances last year and I believe we can build on our success provided we fill in the spots from key point scorers at Big Ten’s. We’re excited about the new freshmen that came in as well.”
What has been your favorite memory surrounding the team?
“For me personally, going to Florida for our training trip is great because we bond well as a team there. We connect with everyone when we are training hard and enjoying the weather.”
What is your best advice for this year’s freshmen?
“Do what the coaches ask and come into the pool everyday with a curious attitude. Let swimming be a place where you can have fun and forget about your other stresses!”
What is the best advice you were given by a coach?
“When I was a freshman, (Iowa head) coach (Marc) Long told me that when I’m at the pool I should let everything else from my day go while focusing only on what I can do in the pool that day. It helps me de-stress from anything else going on.”
What made you choose Iowa?
“When I came on a trip in 2014, my dad and my mom’s favorite movie was Field of Dreams and they made me take the trip. When I came I enjoyed everything — the campus, the pool, and the team.”
If not swimming, what other sport would you enjoy the most?
“After being here, I really like American football. I think it’d be fun to suit up in pads. It looks dangerous, but really fun.”
What do you do to prepare before meets?
“My ritual for each race changes, but I will always have a banana before each race.”
What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“It has to be the pool. Being around the team room and on deck provides me with everything I need.”
Favorite meal?
“A good burger and fries. It’s my main cheat meal.”
Who is your favorite person on the team to be around and why?
“Probably Forrest White because he has the same sense of humor as me, sometimes he helps keep me in the right frame of mind.”
