Jiro Batt '21 Recruiting Profile

While I have swam hundreds of races over my swimming career, 6 races in a span of 2 weeks had the greatest impact on my swimming career.  I was 13 years old and was determined to reach the champs cut for the 200 breastroke.  Despite being 5 seconds off the cut, I time trialed 5 times at our regional meet, missing the cut each time in grueling fashion, but in the process I came within a second of the cut.  My last chance to make the cut was the rapidly approaching "Last Chance Meet," which was only two weeks away.  During practice for the next two weeks, I had become more focused than I had ever been throughout my swimming career, and when the day came to swim the 200 breastroke two weeks later, I made the cut by a whole second.  Through this experience, I learned to never underestimate the power of hard work: even if there is only a few days to work hard, the few days can make seconds of impact.  I also learned in order to improve I must compete and push myself to my limits, as the 200 breaststroke is one of the most punishing events but by pushing myself to swim the event repeatedly I reached my goal.  Today, I encapsulate the feeling of determination and urgency in every practice in order to stay motivated.

Through swimming, I have learned how to create and maintain a healthy, competitive relationship with friends and teammates in order to foster a competitive and close environment.  I am looking for a school which will  fit me athletically and that has strong academic program that will prepare me up for a successful post-college career.  I believe my determination towards continuous improvement alongside with my work ethic and healthy competitiveness benefit both the team culture and performance.  As a tenacious and dedicated athlete and student, I look forward to the opportunity to continue my swimming career into the collegiate level.