Published: September 08, 2009 04:42 pm      

Need for Speed

Meet Jacob Dole

By: Bill Hanson

Jacob Dole is a pretty versatile guy. He likes swimming, basketball and soccer. He wants to compete as a triathlete at some point. Given his success in the pool, Jacob will likely excel in the triathlon as well.Though he can compete in every pool event, Dole is most powerful in the 50 and 100-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke. Now 18, Dole has competed since the age of five thanks to his sisters. He claims the only reason he’d swim was because they would throw him in the pool and it was either sink or swim — and swim he did. Jacob took time from his busy summer schedule to share some thoughts with Fitness Plus about swimming, preparing for a race and fashion.

FP: Where did you graduate from high school?

Dole: Country Day School Guanacaste. I went there from my sophomore until my senior year. My freshman year, I went to Hargrave Military Academy after I met the coach there, I figured he was my best bet to do the best I could at swimming. However, as my sophomore year started, Hargrave forced him to resign, and with him, I left Hargrave. We began to look at schools. However it was already too late to start at public schools, and most boarding schools. CDS was the only school that would accept me that late into the year. It was only supposed to be one semester, but I fell in love with the people and the school. I thought I would be forced to give up swimming, but the distance from the sport actually helped me.

FP: Where are you going to College?

Dole: Colorado School of Mines, in Golden, CO. I will be swimming on a scholarship, and will be majoring in Petroleum Engineering.

FP: Do you hold any records?

Dole: Multiple Lake Cumberland Swim Association records, and Knox Country Piranhas. Blue Grass State Game Records, 400 Free Relay Record at Hargrave. And different meet records.

FP: Your most significant accomplishment as a swimmer?

Dole: All-American as a freshman. Fifth place at prep school nationals as a team — the highest a school ever finished from Virginia (freshman). State championship in 100 back. Quad-state All-Star meet title in the 50 free.

FP: What's it like having mom as your coach?

Dole: We have our moments, but I feel it works out for the best.

FP: How do you stay fit?

Dole: I love doing active things, not neccesairly practicing swimming, but I do that, too. I play basketball, go to the lake, just stay off the couch in general, and get out and do things.

FP: Favorite sport?

Dole: My favorite team sport to play is basketball, and favorite individual sport to do is triathlons. I don't have much experience in them, but they intrigue me, and I hope to be able to do them at a competitive level in the future. My favorite team sport to watch is Kentucky basketball or international soccer.

FP: Favorite meal before a swim meet?

Dole: Lasagna.

FP: Favorite sports idols?

Dole: I have way too many, but a few of my favorites are Lance Armstrong, he is just a beast. Chuck Hayes, because he was never a super star, but he could always figure a way to win, I wear number 44. Aaron Piersol, because he is just so relaxed about his swimming. He doesn't let what people say get him rallied up. I try to be like him when it comes to swimming, just relaxed, let what I do in the pool do the talking.

FP: Most important thing to remember before a race?

Dole: In every race, everyone starts from the same place. Everyone can win or lose a race. You're never the sure winner or sure loser. Everyone starts the same and anything can happen.

FP: The one cool fact nobody knows about Jacob Dole?

Dole: I hate wearing anything but basketball shorts and a T-shirt.