Dario Rukavina '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been swimming since I was 7 years old. Since we do not have swimming in schools I have always swum in clubs. I changed three clubs because I reached top level in each and I needed better coach and competitive environment. Now I swim for PK Dubrava and my coach is Goran Kezman a former swimming coach for the University of California at Berkeley, he is one of the best coaches in Croatia.

I am strong, I have a large range of arms and strong legs which gives me an advantage in underwater kicks. My best techniques are back and fly but I am very good at individual medley as well. I am a hard worker and very persistent. I enjoy every practice, every new improvement, every new better result, I simply love being in the water, I feel fulfilled and truly happy.

I attend a XVIII. Gymnasium - language high school which is very demanding. Unfortunately, the education system in my country does not allow athletes to balance school and swimming commitments. I give my best to achieve the best grades I can. My first language in school is French, second is English but I love English, I consider it my other mother language. I write rap lyrics, stories and screenplays in English in my free time.

I am very interested in studying in the USA because I think it offers the opportunity to achieve both sports and academics quality, which is not the case in my home country.

I want to continue growing as a swimmer, become even better athlete. In order to fulfill my potential I believe I need to expose myself to the best coaches and the strongest competition. For me, it is crucial to have a good coach whose knowledge and experience overcomes obstacles and shortens the path to success. My goal is also a top international swimming career (fight for medals at European and World competitions).

I want to be surrounded by people of the same or similar interests and motivations. I think that's how we encourage and help each other to be better.

What I don't have here and America offers is a much higher standard of academic and sports rank, better opportunities to play sports with a college degree, better living conditions and opportunities after a swimming career.

I want to make my family and myself proud.