Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga's best Chicago day
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Olivia Smoliga on the banks of the Chicago River with her River Swim medals. Photo: Courtesy of Olivia Smoliga.
After winning Olympic Gold in 2020 and acing the Chicago River swim last summer, Glenview native Olivia Smoliga is plunging back into elite training with an eye on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
What she's saying: "After founding In Depth Swim Academy and mentoring young athletes over the last two years, my perspective toward the sport shifted," she tells Axios.
- "I was able to see swimming through the eyes of a beginner again and I felt refreshed, like I had been given another chance. By bringing a sense of wonder and creativity to the water, I am excited to see what I am capable of with my sights on LA2028.
River talk: She said winning the first River Swim felt "nostalgic and monumental."
- "I've always wanted to swim in the river. It was a huge catalyst for my return to competition, too. I was fired up to race in a way I hadn't felt in a while."
Pro tip: Applications for the September river swim close April 27 and Smoliga has some advice for this year's competitors: "It's a dog fight out there! Start strong, and give it your all. It's a blast."
State of play: Smoliga is back in town this weekend to lead programs at her In Depth Swim Academy, so we asked her to describe her ideal Chicago day.
🌅 Morning Activity: "My perfect morning begins before sunrise at the Sauna Club's lakeside sauna at Evanston Beach. Moving between the 190° wood-burning sauna and a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan, all before the sun peeks over the horizon, is a 10/10."
🥞 Breakfast: "Walker Brothers Original Pancake House on Green Bay Road for order of chocolate chippies and the Southwest crepes."
🌊. Afternoon Activity: "North Avenue Beach to swim in Lake Michigan with my friends at N.A.S.T.Y. (North Avenue Swim & Triathlon, Yo!) against the Chicago skyline."
☕️ Lunch: "Doma Cafe in River North for Kata's Klub, a slice of olive cake and an oat milk cortado."
🍔 Dinner: My parents' house in Glenview. Burgers on the grill.
🔥 Evening Activity: "If the Hawks are playing, my brother and I will head to the United Center. On an off week, it'll be a fire pit game night with my family."