SWIMMING: Tyler Clary replaces Michael Phelps on the 2015 World Championship roster to represent team U.S.A.
By Jack Weggeland, Staff Writer
Riverside’s Tyler Clary, once a swimmer for Poly High School, will replace the 18-time Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps, at the 2015 World Championships. Representing Team U.S.A. in Kazan, he will swim the 200m backstroke, 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley (IM).“It’s going to be exciting and daunting. I’ve never competed in that event on such a big stage like World’s, so the challenge will be huge,” Clary stated.
Clary was chosen to return to the World Championships as one of the two representatives for team U.S.A. in the 200m IM, but he believes he will need to develop his speed in order to defeat his teammate and reigning world-record holder, Ryan Lochte. “My goal for 2015 World’s is to come home with at least two gold medals,” he said. If Clary were to come back from Kazan victorious, he would return to the United States with his first gold medal(s) from the World Championships. So far, Clary has placed third in the 400m IM and most recently placed fourth in the 200m backstroke during the 2013 World Championships.
Clary would not be the accomplished swimmer he is today if it weren’t for his passion for the sport and the support he receives from his community. “I’ve always enjoyed swimming and really got lucky that I ended up being good at it. I enjoy working hard, but I think my success comes from how much I enjoy racing,” Clary stated. Poly was able to work with Clary in regard to his swim schedule and academic life, providing him with the flexibility needed to be successful in and out of the pool. Clary believes that his swimming, which started in Riverside, “provided a solid foundation that [he has] built off since.” That solid foundation will be essential as he replaces one of the world’s greatest athletes at the World Championships.