Episode #087 Jason Lezak
Jason Lezak got kicked off the UCSB swim team in the middle of his Junior year. A decade later he split 46.0 on the back of Team USA's 4x100 Free Relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics to reel in France's Alain Bernard.
It is the Olympic performance of all Olympic performances. The swim of all swims. His last name literally become a verb.
Jason is now the GM of the Cali Condors. Jonty Skinner is his Head Coach.
It is the Olympic performance of all Olympic performances. The swim of all swims. His last name literally become a verb.
Jason is now the GM of the Cali Condors. Jonty Skinner is his Head Coach.
Brett and Jason talk about...
How were you so consistent both domestically and internationally for such a long period of time?
Why did you go to UC Santa Barbara? Didn't make NCAA's as a Sophomore, got kicked off the team, and then made Finals as a Junior. Big progression in a short time. Starting doing all the little things right. Sleeping. Eating.
SYDNEY
Getting beat by the Australians in 2000 in the 4x100 Free Relay and receiving a Silver medal.
What regrets do you have on that relay?
What regrets do you have on that relay?
ATHENS
What was Athens like for you?
"I was looking at that relay for 4 years and all I wanted to do was like I said get on that podium and hear the National Anthem and this time we got the Bronze medal to start the Olympics..." - Jason Lezak
Taking it too easy in Prelims and getting 21st in the 100 Free. Swam in the Finals of the 50 Free with Brett. He was in Lane 3, Roland Schoeman was in Lane 4 as top seed, and Brett was in Lane 5.
Finishing Athens strong with a Gold medal 4x100 Medley Relay.
Gary Hall Jr. walking out in the silk robe. What's your recollection from that race?
You had some tension with Gary Hall Jr. didn't you? Tell me about that. Team USA's 4x100 Free Relay from 1999-2004 just couldn't come together.
BEIJING
Broke the AR at OT's in the 100 Free. Had anchored the relays for years, was very prepared.
Brett was coaching Fred Bousquet at the time. Gives his perspective on changing of France's relay order. Fred did not want to swim.
Jason thought he false started. Did you get in the zone? Were you on auto pilot?
How did you stay in the game for so long?
Nathan Adrian over taking Jason as the top American. Cesar Cielo.
"People were telling me to retire after every Olympics." - Jason Lezak
Coaching himself starting in 2006. He swam until he was 36.
Being the GM of the Cali Condors. Australians have pulled out. What's up? Is the ISL sustainable?
Jason Lezak Full Episode
Connect | Brett Hawke
On Instagram @hawkebr
on Twitter @insidewithbh
On Instagram @Jason.Lezak
On Twitter @JasonLezak