Natalie Coughlin exceptionally talented and accomplished competition swimmer. She is twelve-time Olympic medalist. Has won a total of forty-nine medals in major international competition, twenty-two gold, seventeen silver, and ten bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, and the Pan Pacific Championships, held number of world records in swimming is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You started began swimming at the local YMCA when you were only 10 months old and reached the pinnacle of success by winning a total of forty-nine medals in major international competitions: Twenty-two gold, seventeen silver, and ten bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, and the Pan Pacific Championships. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Natalie Coughlin:
I have great support team: parents, grandparents, sister, husband, coaches and the list goes on. I was a born competitor and found a sport that I could channel my competitive, Type-A nature.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after when just ten days before your 20th birthday in 2002 you became the first woman ever to swim the 100-meter backstroke (long course) in under a minute?
Ms. Natalie Coughlin:
That was one of those swims where I had pure clarity. I knew that I was going to break that record that night. I had been trying for that record for quite a while, but I knew that that night was the night. It wasn’t a perfect swim by any means, but I swam it with the aggressive confidence.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Natalie Coughlin:
I swim eight times a week, anywhere from an hour to two hours; I lift weights, four times a week for 90 minutes; I do yoga and Pilates on my own five times a week. Also I work with a physical therapist once a week for two hours.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Natalie Coughlin:
I don’t have a “strict” diet but eat very healthy. I prefer to eat healthy because it makes my body feel so much better. And healthy food doesn’t necessarily mean tasteless. Healthy food can be delicious when you take advantage of herbs, spices and seasonal food. I focus on what is in season, with a big emphasis on veggies and fruits. I don’t eat a lot of meat, but when I do I indulge with pastured, sustainably-raised meats from local farmers.
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