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Erik VendtAmerican swimmer, 2008 Olympic competitor
Date of Birth: 09.01.1981
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Eric Vendt
Eric Vendt was born on January 9, 1981 in North Easton, Massachusetts. He is a professional American swimmer, a multiple winner of Olympic Games and World Championships. In 2008, he represented the USA national team at the Olympics in Beijing.
Early Life and Career
Eric Vendt's father was in the military, so their family had to live in Saudi Arabia for some time, near the American embassy. When Eric turned five, they returned to their homeland. His mother worked at Waste Systems International. Eric Vendt attended Boston High School, where he was a member of the swimming club "Ocean State Squids" and trained under the guidance of coach Joshua Stern.
After graduating from high school, Eric Vendt enrolled at the University of Southern California. During his studies, he became a five-time winner of the NCAA competitions, a thirteen-time member of the "All-American" team, and a seven-time holder of the "Trojan" title. Currently, the athlete is being coached by Bob Bowman at the University of Michigan.
Success in Swimming
In 2001, Eric Vendt won a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championship held in Fukuoka, Japan. At the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, he won silver medals in the 400-meter freestyle. It was during this time that the swimmer decided to focus solely on freestyle, developing speed and honing his technique. After the Athens Games, Eric Vendt decided to end his athletic career, thinking he would find his calling in a field unrelated to sports. However, he only needed one year, until the 2006 Olympics in Turin, to change his mind. Inspired by his fellow athletes, he made a firm decision to resume training and become one of the top American swimmers.
Eric Vendt trained alongside Mike Phelps under Bob Bowman at the Wolverine Club. He made a huge impression on the coach with his intense training and immense desire to win. Eric Vendt became the first American to break the 15-minute barrier in the 1500-meter freestyle. Generally, swimmers in the USA focus more on short distances, but Vendt believed that he should become a professional in long-distance races.
In January 2008, Eric Vendt set a world record in the 1000-meter freestyle with a time of 8:36.49. He will participate in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, competing alongside professionals such as Matt Grevers, Katie Hoff, Elizabeth Beisel, and Caroline Burckle.
