Blueseventy supported Modern Pentathlete, Sammy Schultz returned from Tokyo with a brilliant overall performance at her first Olympic Games. She set a new swim personal best time and successfully navigated one of the toughest ever show jumping courses that brought several other athletes to tears. Hear about competing for Team USA, and what the first thing she did was when she got home… Triathletes will be able to relate!
How do you reflect on your performance?
I had different goals in each of the five events (fencing, swimming, equestrian, running, and shooting) and was pleased with how I was able to move up the placings through the competition. Despite having a lower start in the fence, I set a new personal best time in my swim! I got through a very challenging jumping course with my horse, and then had a great combined event of running and shooting where I ran my way up from 27th to 21st place.
Tell us more about the swim
My swim was great! I came from about a body length behind in the last 50m to win my heat and record my fastest ever time. I had no idea what place I was in or how far behind I was until I saw the replay, which made it even better. I wore my Blueseventy neroTX suit and NR2 goggles, and my new swim cap with my name on it, so I'm sure that helped me swim faster!
How was the experience of the Games?
The experience at the Olympics was amazing. Even though there weren't spectators, I knew that my family was back in the US cheering me on along with friends and family from all over.
What was your favorite thing about competing for Team USA?
It's always such an honor to represent Team USA, but on the Olympic stage it is even better! I felt like I was really part of a team with all the Team USA athletes in one place. I enjoyed meeting athletes from different sports and being able to hear about their experiences and how they did at the Games or how they got involved with their sport. Sharing those moments and meeting other athletes reinforces how amazing and strong Team USA really is.
What did you do when you got home?
I ran and swam the day I got back! It always helps to get my body moving and adjust back to the time. I felt like I was jet lagged for a long time after this trip especially since I was gone for so long. It was nice to get settled, unpack, and get together with family and friends to share my Olympic experiences with them. I was able to go on a trip to Alaska with my family a few weeks after returning home. We did tons of fishing and got to explore some amazing places in nature away from cellphone service and Wi-Fi, which was a nice break mentally and physically.
What’s next for you?
I am still deciding what is next for me and if I want to continue for the next Olympics. I am planning to get back into teaching Pilates and possibly get my certification to be a Strength and Conditioning coach or Personal Trainer. I am also looking at some Master's programs at the colleges in town. There are lots of options, but I am looking forward to seeing what is next and taking some time to just train for fun and also teach again. I love to help others achieve goals and dreams especially in health and wellness.
Might we see you competing in Paris in 2024?
I am still unsure about Paris. There are some changes going on with the format of Pentathlon for the next Olympics and I also want to start a family in a few years. There’s lots to think about but either way, athletics and sport will always be a big part of my life.
You can follow Sammy via Instagram @samanthaausa
