Indiana University Athletics
Meet Sarah Fiden
12/18/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
December 18, 2002
MEET IU RECORD HOLDER SARAH FIDEN
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Junior Sarah Fiden (Kettering, Ohio/Fairmont) is one of the top distance swimmers in the country. Already this season, the Kinesiology-Teacher Prep major has set Indiana University records in both the 1,000- and 1,650-yard freestyle. She also set the school record in the 500-yard freestyle as a junior in 2001.
In this exclusive Q&A with Sarah, she discusses her greatest career accomplishments, her goals for this season, toe nail painting, and a unique way to keep her swim cap on her head, among many other interesting topics.
Training for long-distance events has to be a lonely existence. How do you effectively handle the monotony of daily training?
My teammates…This year we have a really strong distance group and we are all going through the same things physically and mentally during workouts. We all know what it’s like to have a bad workout, so we really try to support each other so that we can make it through practice. It is also helpful to come in each day with a positive attitude about workouts; otherwise, it’ll be the longest two hours of the day.
What are your primary goals for the remainder of this season?
To have a strong showing at Big Tens and NCAAs and finish out the year undefeated in duel meets. Personally, I want to win the mile at Big Tens and place in the top 8 at NCAAs.
What attracted you to the Indiana University swimming program?
My former teammate, Susan Woessner swam for my club team in Ohio and she first told me about IU. She said good things about (head coach) Dorsey (Tierney) and the team and explained that IU was an up-and-coming program. I wanted a challenge and didn’t want to be a “big fish in a small pond,” which is what I would have been at some of the other schools I considered.
Please describe Coach Tierney in three words?
Dedicated, Driven, and Motivated
Do you have any brothers or sisters? If so, what are their ages and what do they do?
I have one brother, Drew, 23. He swam for Wright State University (4-time individual MCC/Horizon league champ) and will finish his degree this spring. Now that he’s done competing, he is an assistant coach with my old club team, South Community YMCA in Kettering, OH.
What is your greatest swimming accomplishment to date?
In high school, it would be YMCA Nationals my senior year where I got three Olympic Trial cuts. In college, it would have to be my 500 free at Big Tens my freshman year. In prelims, I qualified 8th and ended up 3rd at finals, dropping about :04 seconds off my best time. I remember my reaction to that race more than any other race I’ve swum.
You are a Kinesiology-Teacher Prep major. Do you intent to become a teacher? Do you have any educators in your family?
I’d like to teach and especially coach. I’ve also thought about athletic administration. Both my mom and aunt were physical education majors and my dad even taught industrial arts before I was born. My brother is also a physical education major. So, I guess I do come from a family of educators!
What is your favorite movie?
To pump me up for meets, Remember the Titans. I also love the Goonies and The Full Monty.
What is your favorite book?
Catcher in the Rye and It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong (who I think is unreal!)
What do you enjoy watching on television?
Every Thursday night is Friends night at my apartment with the team and on Tuesday nights, my roommates watch The Osborne’s together.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
It’s kinda ironic…the same place we’re going for Christmas Training, Islamorada, FL. It’s just south of Key Largo and is absolutely beautiful. It’s peaceful and relaxing. I love it and they have the best seafood around!
How difficult is it to get out of bed for a morning workout in the middle
of the winter? Any tricks to helping this process?
Truthfully, it’s not too difficult for me. Living with other swimmers helps; we make sure each other gets up. I go to bed pretty early so it’s not too difficult to get up at 5:15. I guess I’m a morning person, as much as I hate to admit it! Having to get in the cold water, however, is the hard part!
Do you have any musical talents?
I played the French Horn from 6th to 10th grade.
What to you enjoy doing away from the pool and school?
Hanging out with the team! We have so much fun together; we’re like one big family!
What are your favorite foods?
I love almost everything my mom makes. London Broil steak (grilled), Cheesy mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad is probably my favorite meal.
Do you have a consistent pre-race ritual?
I used to paint my toenails a particular color, but not a consistent color anymore. However, my toes do have to look nice-–no chipped polish. I also have to glue my cap to my head in any race over 500 yards. Erin Rice and Jenny Bechem introduced that concept to me my freshman year so our caps wouldn’t fall off while we raced. (unfortunately, I learned the hard way when mine fell off during the Kentucky meet that year…and I’ve glued ever since).
What is your favorite event and why?
I like the mile. Sounds crazy, but I love the strategy involved with the longer events. Anyway, I get stronger the longer I go.
Did you participate in any other sports in high school?
I played volleyball but only through my junior year. I decided to focus on swimming my senior year.
How would you describe your personality?
People who don’t know me probably think I’m intimidating or something (the girls on the team say I snarl before and during my races). But from my standpoint, I don’t think I am. I swim to get the job done. I’m committed to my sport, but I also know there is a time to have fun and be crazy!
Thursday, August 13
Thursday, August 13
Wednesday, August 12
Wednesday, August 12