Diving into Excellence: The Inspiring Journey of UGA Swimmer Luca Orlando

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With numerous school records and an Olympic introduction already behind him, it’s fair to assert that Georgia senior Luca Urlando is establishing his presence in the universe of swimming.

As the collegiate swim and dive season is fully underway, the Sacramento, California, native shared insights about his Olympic journey and how it influences his current season.

Q: What lessons did Paris impart about yourself and your athletic capabilities?

A: It revealed to me that I still have considerable room for growth regarding mental preparation. Physically, reaching the qualification stage demanded significant effort, but there is always potential for development and new learning experiences.

Q: How have you utilized that in your swimming this season?

A: I believe it’s about being patient with myself. Focusing on the finer details and the smaller aspects that accumulate during important moments in major events has been my primary focus.

Q: I read you faced a challenging shoulder injury during your sophomore year. How did it feel to compete in the Olympics after overcoming such difficulties?

A: Ah, it’s a dream realized. Nothing can truly match the countless hours of dedication and effort that went into it, which may not have been straightforward, but the result was precisely what I aimed for.

Q: Was aspiring to join the Olympics always a childhood dream for you?

A: Absolutely, no question about it.

Q: What aspects of your Olympic experience caught you off guard?

A: Many of the scenarios I envisioned going into it — I wasn’t let down, but it was quite different. While similar elements existed; knowing all the nations participating was cool, yet experiencing it is completely different. I’m still in the process of comprehending it.

Q: How has your outlook on swimming shifted since the Games?

A: I’d say it feels less — which sounds a bit odd — but it’s not as intense as I previously perceived it. It’s fundamentally just swimming. You can’t regard it as a matter of life or death. Instead, it’s about approaching each race with specific objectives. Rather than stressing over the consequences, it’s essential to take it one step at a time, without overwhelming yourself with everything you need to accomplish.

Q: How has the shift been returning to college swimming from the extremely competitive environment of the Olympics?

A: It remains a high level of competition. I race against individuals who are Olympic medalists from places like Florida or other institutions — it’s different, yet the same.

Q: I noticed your father was an athlete here. Did that influence your college decision?

A: Yes and no. It’s really neat that he attended (this school). My mother also studied here for her master’s, so I’ve always been a Georgia Bulldog. However, I wasn’t fully aware of the significance of sports or the history of swimming until I began the recruitment process in high school. It was fortunate that everything fell into place perfectly.

Q: You’ve broken numerous records. Do you have particular objectives for this swimming season?

A: Just focus on refining my details, and everything else will follow.

Q: Alright, final question. Are you already looking ahead to Los Angeles? Or are you concentrating on the present?

A: I’m primarily focusing on the present, but inevitably L.A. 2028 is the aspiration. SoFi Stadium — it’s going to be amazing.

Alexis Johnson is a junior majoring in public relations, pursuing a sports media certificate.