Every four years since 1896, when the first modern Olympic games took place, many young athletes have been eager to compete. Thousands–perhaps tens of thousands–have trained vigorously and over a significant amount of time, hoping for the opportunity to match their skills with those of others from around the world. Each of these young people has committed time and energy and often costs for coaching, knowing that an individual’s chances of getting to the Olympics are few and far between, and that even if an athlete is chosen to attend the event, the chances of winning a medal are again fairly remote.
A Suffield resident, Joe Rusnock, is one of those outstanding athletes; through middle school, Suffield Academy, and now Southern Methodist University in Dallas, he has pursued the elusive Olympic goal. He actually began competing as a swimmer when he was six years old, at the Granby YMCA. By the age of 14 he had set himself an Olympic goal. He chose to attend Suffield Academy because of the swim coach there, Andy Lowe, whom he considers a major factor in his success as a competitive swimmer. After graduating from the Academy, he chose SMU because of the strength of their swimming program.
Joe Rusnock swam the breast-stroke, along with 70 hopefuls who competed at the trials, for one of two spots on the Olympic team.
Joe has been training for 24 hours a week, a huge commitment for a college student, who also must pay attention to his academic requirements. He acknowledges that he has had to forego much of the social life that college generally offers a young person. Despite his award-winning competence and his diligence in training, he was not selected for the Olympic team. From the group of 70 who competed at the trials and who were vying for the honor, only two could be selected– so he was aware all along that it was going to be a long shot. He is no way cast down by the disappointment but intends to continue his regimen for his senior year at SMU and afterwards as well.
Does Joe have any regrets about the price he has paid for a goal he has not yet reached? Not at all! Are there benefits from the effort in and of itself? Of course! He cites his many friendships from middle school, high school, and college; he knows that through his extensive training he has acquired important life skills such as self-discipline and perseverance; he has polished his swimming techniques and continues to learn from coaches and from fellow swimmers. He knows what separates the good from the best, and he wants to be the best. Will he try again in 2028? He didn’t say yes, but he didn’t say no; there’s time ahead to make that sort of decision.
Joe Rusnock is an impressive young man, but he is not only impressive because of his swimming accolades. Even more important, he is thoughtful and articulate; realistic and optimistic at the same time; outgoing and balanced in his world view. Joe is a winner all the way around!