Rebecca Soni is an American former competition swimmer and breaststroke specialist who is a six-time Olympic medalist. She is a former world record-holder in the 100-meter breaststroke (short and long course) and the 200-meter breaststroke (short and long course), and is the first woman to swim the 200-meter breaststroke in under 2 minutes 20 seconds. As a member of the U.S. national team, she currently holds the world record in the 4×100-meter medley relay (long course).
Soni has won a total of twenty-two medals in major international competition, fourteen gold, seven silver, and one bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, the Universiade, and the Pan Pacific Championships. She burst onto the international scene at the 2008 Summer Olympics where she won two silver medals and one gold. In the 200-meter breaststroke at the Olympics, she set the world record en route to winning gold, shocking Australian favorite Leisel Jones. Four years later at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Soni successfully defended her Olympic title in the 200-meter breaststroke in world record time, becoming the first woman to do so in the event.
She was named Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year award in 2010 and 2011, and the American Swimmer of the Year award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Women Fitness brings to you an exclusive interview with Olympic Gold Medalist Rebecca Soni, as she shares with us her wonderful swimming journey and fitness secrets.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You began swimming when you were only 10 years old and reached the pinnacle of success by winning a total of twenty-two medals in major international competitions, fourteen gold, seven silver, and one bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, the Universiade, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Tell us about this spectacular journey and how it all began?
Ms. Rebecca Soni:
It was a spectacular journey indeed! I started swimming at 10 because of my older sister, Rita, who loved swimming and was on a local team. My parents decided to throw me in the water as well, and it took a few years to really get the hang for it! Once I did, though, I fell in love with the water, with the hard work, and the self-accountability that provided the results. From there I just focused inward, mainly emphasizing the training and areas for improvement within myself, not getting too wrapped up in who I was racing, or where I was going.
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2016 Women Fitness
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after winning 3 gold and 3 silver medals at the Olympics in 2008 and 2012?
Ms. Rebecca Soni:
In 2008, the whole experience was an amazing whirlwind! I never expected to come home with a gold medal!! In 2012, the story was a bit different. Being a returning gold medalist there was a lot more pressure, and I had my goals and dreams, but I also had the target on my back. After London 2012, there was a huge sense of relief and I was so grateful for how things turned out!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may like to share?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
I did a lot of yoga towards the end of my swimming career, as a way to both gain flexibility and body awareness. I also loved the calming of the mind, that helped with my mental edge. This habit carried on after swimming ended, too.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
I just ate clean when I raced. I didn’t have any super special or strict diet. I just wanted to make sure I felt good. Now, I am vegan, which has been an amazing experience! I love how great it makes me feel!
Videos
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hair to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
Thank you! It’s tough being in the chlorine all the time! When training, I made sure to get the pool water out of my hair by showering after every practice. And using lots of lotion! Now, I use coconut oil as both lotion, and in my hair to keep it healthy!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding swimming girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in the field of competitive swimming?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
Be yourself! Take the motivation from others but blaze your own path!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have started RISE ELITE with Olympic teammate, Caroline Burckle, which is very dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst of giving back to the society and to the future athletes through this endeavor of yours?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
I have loved building RISE with Caroline! It’s a great way to influence the next generation of athletes, while also helping the elite athletes who are moving out of the sport and into the next phases. There have been a lot of challenges with building it, and that is something that I love. It’s great to build that entrepreneurial skill set!
Videos
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career in competitive swimming ?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
I have always looked up to those before me who WORK hard, who put their eyes on a target and who approach it gracefully over time. I’m so impressed by the athletes who handle a win or loss gracefully! There were many I looked up to for that! I also relied on my friends and family as a way to keep me normal, to see me for who I am beside the label of Olympian.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are the first woman to swim the 200-meter breaststroke in under 2 minutes 20 seconds. You also hold the world record in the 4×100-meter medley relay (short and long course). How does it feel to have set a world record and to be able to inspire so many individuals?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
Being out of swimming now, it is CRAZY to think of all the world records I’ve had, even if they have been broken since, I got to touch history!!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Rebecca Soni :
A message to the viewers of the website:
Just be yourself. The world is big and beautiful, so don’t be afraid to make changes and get your hands dirty.
To know more about Rebecca Soni: Check out at: http://rebeccasoni.com/
Or follow her on:
Women Fitness Team thanks Rebecca Soni for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her.
Videos
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2016 Women Fitness