Get to know Australian Distance star Mack Horton

Have you ever wished you could sit down and have a chat with your favourite Team Speedo athletes?

Have you ever wished you could sit down and have a chat with your favourite Team Speedo athletes? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We caught up with Australian distance superstar Mack Horton about everything from how he trains to his favourite Netflix show.

Mack Horton is regarded as one of the best swimmers in the world, having won medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships and Commonwealth Games. Mack broke his first Australian record at just 13 years old.

Q. What are your top 5 training tips for aspiring athletes?

1.    Embrace the pain.
2.    Get comfortable being uncomfortable in every sense.
3.    Get to know you.
4.    Learn. Learn. Learn. From everyone and everywhere.
5.    Turn weaknesses into strengths.

Q. Do you have a pre-race ritual?

A. I like to kneel down next to the blocks and splash myself with the water. I don't know how it started but it’s just nice to feel the pool temp and the weight of the water in my hands before I dive in. 

Q. What do you eat before a race and why?

A. Whatever I would normally eat is what I eat around racing. I try to keep everything consistent. I try to have my last meal before a race about 3 hours prior.

Q.   How do you relax after a swim?

A. Eat junk food and hang out with friends. If it’s the end of the season, I’ll have some time off and do things I wouldn't normally get to do like travel. 

Q. How do you overcome off days? 

A. Always come back to the reason why I am doing something. I’m constantly putting in effort to make sure I feel balanced and happy. Improvement isn’t linear. Focusing on the process helps guide you through troublesome times. 

Q. Do you support any charities? 

A.  I support School Sport Victoria Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund - they provide scholarships for children and families to be able to travel and compete at major competitions exposing them to a level of competition that will help them achieve their goals. I also support Make A Wish, a charity which helps children with terminal illnesses to live their dreams. 

Q. Outside of swimming, what do you do for fun?

A. Sail, take photos, hang out with friends and generally just live a normal life. 

 

Sport

Q: How did you get into swimming?

A: I learnt to swim at Harold Holt Aquatic Centre, and I loved being in the water so kept at it. I have been training at Melbourne Vicentre for 13 years now.

Q: What has been the swim of your life so far?

A: The anchor leg of the 4x200 at the 2019 World Champs. So much speed.

Out of the Pool

Q: If you were a boxer, what would your walk-out music be

A: I like to be in my head, so silence is key. I’d own the silence though. 

Q: How would those closest to you describe you?

A: Awkward but genuine.

Q: What’s your favourite Netflix series?

A: The Crown.    

Q: Which sports team do you support?

Melbourne FC.

 

Find out more about Mack here.