ing every day at the pool. At meets, we set up tents,
ate lots of great food and played games between
our events. I started year-round swimming when I
was seven with Coach Todd at Colorado Stars. I still
swim for Stars with Coach Todd. I love swimming
and enjoy every practice with my teammates. Travel
meets are so much fun as we get to know each other
better and become closer. It also is exciting develop-
ing friendships with swimmers from other teams
from all over the country and the world. Besides all
that, I just love the water. It is my element.
pursuit?
line at the bottom of the pool. This requires dedica-
tion and focus. In order to improve and stay at an
elite level, there are sacrifices I choose to make. At
activities and do need to make time for it. Although it
would be much easier for me to be homeschooled, my
friends are way too important. They help me keep the
balance in my life. I really have a great life, a lot of
fun, and the best friends and family in the world.
home. We occasionally attended a church service but
I felt so uncomfortable and self-conscious as I didn't
know what was expected. Before my freshman year
I visited Regis Jesuit High School. As I walked in
the main door, I felt at peace and knew I belonged
there. From that first moment, I knew God was with
me. Every day over the last three years, my faith has
grown. One of my favorite times is going to our beau-
tiful school chapel and spending time with God. This
year, I attended Kairos with my Regis Jesuit sisters
I now really work on keeping
my faith strong.
helped you deal with the
challenges you've faced
as an Olympic hopeful?
before, during and after prac-
tice and competitions. I pray
to Him for guidance. I thank
Him for this talent He has
given me and promise to be a
positive role model for young
athletes in all sports.
broke records early and often. She
is the current world record holder in
the 200-meter backstroke and the
current American record holder in the
100-meter backstroke and 200-meter
backstroke. She was ranked number
one in the world in the 200-meter
backstroke category in 2011, 2012
and 2013. Both of Franklin's parents
are Canadian, so she is a dual citizen.
However, she represents the United
States exclusively in international
competition.
dorsement deals, Franklin prioritized
intent to swim at the University of
California-Berkeley. She turned down
nearly $150,000 in prize money. The
swimmer decided to go to college for
two years before leaving to prepare
for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio
de Janeiro. After immense success in
college, she is turning pro this sum-
mer to focus on training.
(excerpted here) with Chad Bonham,
Inspiring Athletes columnist
for Beliefnet.com, Franklin refl ects
on her faith journey as a professional
athlete.
the 200-meter backstroke (long
course) and American records
in both the 100-meter and 200-
meter backstroke (long course)
in international competition
in total: 14 gold, 5 silver
and 3 bronze
4 of which were gold,
in her 2012 Olympic
debut at age 17