Linnea Mack
Linnea Mack
QUICK STATS
- Birth date: November 27, 1995
- Hometown: San Jose, CA
- Club Team: Osprey Aquatics
- College: University of California Los Angeles
- Coaches: Brian Bolster, Cyndi Gallagher, David Marsh
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 8-time UCLA School Record Holder
- World Cup Champion
- ISL Champion
- Dual in the Pool Champion
EXPERIENCE
Linnea Mack is an eight-time UCLA School Record Holder and World Cup Champion specializing in sprint freestyle and backstroke. She has a unique perspective on swimming, saying it is in a way an art. “Learning to swim is a creative process. My goal as a clinician is to provide a space that allows kids the freedom to develop their relationship with the water.”
As a Fitter and Faster Clinician, Linnea meets clinic participants where they are in their swimming journey in an effort to individualize instruction, so that each participant leaves a better swimmer. She says, “I will meet kids where they are in their development, while doing my best to encourage growth. I will present challenges according to individual needs, fostering a fierce sense of inner confidence.” Linnea believes the sport has much to give, including character development. “I see my journey through the sport as a means to discover more about myself and experience the world in such a rich way! I believe every young person has so much potential to become anything they want…swimming is merely a tool to help cultivate whatever that passion may be!”
Linnea stresses that young athletes should focus on the process, not the outcome. She says, “It’s so easy to get caught up in the future goal that sometimes we forget to appreciate the little moments along the way! The key is to enjoy the everyday things, this is where you spend most of your time, there is no future guarantee!” She shares her experience of missing the 2021 Olympic team by two tenths of a second in two events, and how that experience transformed how she views the sport. “I felt what it meant when people say it’s about the process not the outcome. Looking back on all the experiences, people I met, places I traveled in the lead up to Trials I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything. After that experience I was really able to reframe how much the sport has given me over the years, and become increasingly grateful for all the support I received along the way.”
Mack’s passion for swimming shines through as she gives back to the next generation of swimmers by sharing valuable advice. “Give your best everyday, show up as you are, and do the best with what you have. In the end, that’s all you can do. Even if things feel like they’re not going your way, have your best, worst day and know you have the power to change your perception and find something good!”
