Written By: Connie Farmer
Staff Writer
Arni Arnason, senior on the Old Dominion men’s swim team, enjoyed his last home meet this Saturday, Jan. 28. A senior day ceremony took place before the event, and afterwards Arnason was asked about his experience at ODU over the last four years.
To say that Arnason had a successful career as a Monarch is an understatement. He holds ODU records for the 50 and 100 free, 100 and 200 breast, is a two-time CAA men’s swimmer of the year, and has been named Colonial Athletic Assocation (CAA) men’s swimmer of the week five times this season so far. He also represented Iceland at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
“I have definitely exceeded my expectations of myself in college swimming,” Arnason said. On top of being extremely talented, Arnason is humble and makes his success look easy. “I really like it at ODU,” Arnason said, “The coaches have helped me a lot. The new swimming facility is nice, and the weight room and coaches have also helped with my success.”
Arnason is a fan of the atmosphere at ODU, and feels that his team has also gotten him where he is. “They give me a lot of support. It means a lot.” Arnason gains a lot from his team, and also knows that they appreciate what he does for ODU swimming.
One wouldn’t think that Arnason has many weaknesses, but he spoke about areas he feels he could improve. “Backstroke is my worst stroke. I swim the 50 medley, and backstroke is where I could improve the most,” Arnason said. As far as his strengths, Arnason said, “I am able to swim races back to back. I can recover fast. I can also swim all events, and do whatever I can to help the team.”
Some personal goals of Arnason’s for the rest of his final season is to win all of his events at the CAA Championships, make it to NCAA National Championships, and place in the top-16 there in the 100 and 200 breast. He also hopes to represent Iceland once again in the 2012 London Olympic Games. “There are different rules with qualifying this year, but I should know by June if I’m going,” Arnason said.
When asked about his goals for the team, Arnason replied, “I would like the men’s team to finish in the top three at CAA Championships. And to win the 200 and 400 medley relay at CAAs.” UNCW will be their biggest rival since they have been CAA Champions every year since 2002.
One of Arnason’s favorite parts of his experience at ODU has been travelling with the team. He will still get that opportunity as they travel to George Mason for the CAA Championships, Feb. 22-25.
Photo by Ari Gould
