Janet Culp, Denver Olympian
The Summer Olympics were held on the other side of the globe in Beijing, China in 2008, but the Denver area was represented by some homegrown talent in the form of Janet Culp, a member of the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Team. Born and bred in Littleton, Janet chatted with Denver.org before she jetted off to the Far East.
Denver.org: Synchronized swimming isn't the most common sport for people to take up. How did you get involved in it?
Janet Culp: I started swimming as early as I can remember, so by age 8 I was at my local pool (Holly Park Pool, part of the South Suburban rec. district) all summer taking diving lessons and swimming on the swim team. My mom, Shirley, suggested that my twin sister and I try out synchronized swimming lessons one summer. I didn't even know what synchronized swimming was until my first lesson, but we quickly fell in love with the sport. It was a perfect combination of swimming, dance, gymnastics, and performance. We joined one of Denver's competitive teams, the Rocky Mountain Splash, when we were 10, and I've been swimming competitively ever since.
Denver.org: What do you like most about synchronized swimming?
JC: I started swimming because I loved being creative and performing for an audience. Through the years, I've also made life-long friendships and learned a lot about myself as an athlete and person. It has truly been a remarkable journey.
Denver.org: What's the most challenging aspect of your sport?
JC: The most challenging aspect of synchro is the whole body workout while holding your breath. I often am asked how long I can hold my breath. But it’s not just about taking a breath of air while you sit in a calm meditative-like state and watch a clock! Imagine running a four minute race while holding your breath 30-45 seconds of every minute. Now that's a burn!
Denver.org: Have you always wanted to be an Olympian? When did you realize that it was a goal that was within reach?
JC: When I graduated from Littleton High School in 2000, I decided that I wanted to pursue synchro at the highest level. I joined the Santa Clara Aquamaids, a club in Santa Clara, California that is one of the top clubs in the U.S., and I enrolled in Santa Clara University to continue my education. Even at that point, my goal was never just to make the Olympic team, but rather to reach my highest potential as an athlete. When I made my first national team in 2002 and again when I made my first world team in 2005, I knew the Olympics were a real possibility. But still, my focus during the year before I made the team and still today is to work as hard as I can and do my best. In doing this, you can't always control the outcome of competition, but you can be satisfied that you've given 100% of yourself in the process.
Denver.org: What was the most challenging part of the process towards becoming a 2008 Olympian?
JC: In any competitive sport there are ups and downs along the way. But ultimately the hardest part of my journey was the last cut of trials, in April 2007. My twin sister had been with me since we started swimming in 1992, but she did not make the final cut to the Olympic team. She suffered a shoulder injury in April 2006, had surgery, and after a long recovery, made the training squad for the 2007 World Championship team. But ultimately, it wasn't enough to make the final cut of the Olympic team. I wish she could be there at practice with me and there competing with me in the games, experiencing everything I have the opportunity to experience.
Denver.org: What are your expectations for the Beijing Games this summer?
JC: My goal at the Olympics is to have an amazing and memorable swim. I hope we can touch and inspire our audience, both at the games and those watching at home around the world. I want to enjoy every minute because I think it will go by faster than I can even imagine it will!
Denver.org: What did you like most about growing up in the Denver area?
JC: I love the Denver weather. Especially now that I've been in California for a few years, I miss snowy winters. It doesn't feel like Christmas unless I'm in Colorado! The summers there are nice and warm, and they were perfect for going to the pool every day. It was also a great feeling going to meet with a high altitude advantage.
Denver.org: What are some of your favorite places to go when you're in the Denver area?
JC: Some of my fondest memories are of summers spent in Estes Park with my family. My grandmother owns a small cabin there, and my sister and I used to spend hours playing outside on the rocks, going for hikes in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, and even swimming at the elementary school. It is a really special place and I look forward to visits whenever I can make it back to Colorado! When I'm in the metro area, I'm always up for a pizza from Beau Joes or a trip to the Museum of Nature and Science.