Senior Ivan Puskovitch finished 8th at the 2018 FINA World Junior Open Water Championships in Eilat, Israel- helping Team USA win its first Junior Open Water Championship Team title.
"The best part is by far being able to represent Team USA!" shared Ivan. "It's truly an honor to wear the Stars and Stripes on my cap and compete for the best country in the world on such a high level."
Ivan has been competing in open water racing since he was ten years old. He qualified for the World Junior Open Water Championships by winning the USA Swimming Open Water Nationals 7.5km race in May 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.
"Open Water has always been my favorite form of swimming, and I feel that it's the most authentic form of the sport," explained Ivan. "As a distance swimmer, I first attempted this area of swimming due to the races being significantly longer than those in the pool. I have fallen in love with it ever since!"
To prepare for open water competitions Ivan works in 12 training practices a week. "I sometimes reach total volumes as high as 18km per day when preparing for open water races," said Ivan.
The 2018 FINA World Junior Open Water Championships were held on September 6. Ivan clocked an impressive time of 1:26:45.6 in the 7.5km race.
"The most challenging part, like in any open water race, I'd have to say is the tactical elements of how to swim the race and when to make critical decisions. This can be feeding, leading the pack, drafting, or even taking a different line or route on the course. All of these factors can severely impact the outcome of a race."