She is a former competitive swimmer, four-time Olympic medalist, world champion and former world record-holder. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, she won the bronze in the 800 meter freestyle, and four years later in Athens, she won three Olympic medals: a bronze in the 400 meter freestyle, a silver in the 400 meter medley, and a gold as part of the 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay for Team USA.
On winning four Olympic medals, she said, “That felt absolutely incredible. In the moment, I don’t think it sunk in, as much as it does now. It was monumental and very surreal.”
In addition, Sandeno is a motivational speaker, coach, sports commentator, emcee, and a host for world-class sporting events. When asked what motivates her each day, she said, “Every day is different. I am so blessed that I have a lifestyle to do a little bit of everything. I don’t know how I would do an office job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Being involved in a bunch of different ventures has opened so many doors.”
Sandeno serves as the national spokesperson of The Jessie Rees Foundation. As an ambassador of The Jessie Rees Foundation, she brings “joy jars” to over 150 children’s hospitals. For more information on this charitable foundation, check out its official website. “Just being involved in the swimming community, and people told me her story, and I was able to meet her, so that changed my life. I wanted to do more and give back. Her family gave me the honor of being the national spokesperson, and it has been so rewarding and huge in my life,” she explained. “The Jessie Rees Foundation has been like a home for me, and I am really passionate about it. I am so blessed to be a part of it. Her joy jars really do bring joy.”
For her fans and supporters, Sandeno expressed her sincere gratitude. “Thank you for all the years of support. It never ceases to amaze me how kind and outgoing people can be on the impact I have made in their lives, one way or another. It really means a lot to me.”
Digital transformation of aquatics
On the impact of technology on aquatics and swimming, Sandeno said, “It is so surreal. We are always going to involve bigger and better, faster and stronger, and smarter. That smarter element is so pivotal in all sports, since you optimize the athletes to do bigger and better things. It is really cool for the next generation. The science side of it is just so interesting, such as the way you train, the way you eat, or how you are sleeping, or the high altitudes and all these different components that go into it all.”
For aspiring swimmers, her advice is simple: “to never give up.” “Ironically enough, working with The Jessie Rees Foundation our motto is NEGU (Never Ever Give Up). That was my career in a nutshell,” she said.
Sandeno defined the word success as “Being happy.” ‘I want to be successfully happy,” she said.
To learn more about four-time U.S. Olympic medalist Kaitlin Sandeno and her latest endeavors, check out her official homepage.
