UCLA BRUINS - Athletics News

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		Keiko Price
		Sport: Swimming Year: Senior Events: Freestyle/Butterfly/IM Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii High School: Mililani

Past Profiles:
Venus James (Women's Soccer)
Sean Kern (Men's Water Polo)
Sasha Victorine (Men's Soccer)
Kristee Porter (Women's Volleyball)
Kate Vermeulen (Women's Cross Country)

What kind of role do you see yourself in as one of only three seniors on the team?
"I think a lot of people look up to me just because I'm a fourth year. I try to set a good example by staying positive all the time and encouraging my teammates to swim fast. I think I have a lot to offer as far as a positive attitude."

Having competed all over the country and world, what has been your favorite venue and why?
"I think my favorite was this summer when I went to Australia and swam in the Olympic pool. The complex was just amazing. I had never seen anything like it. It was big and just the fact that the Olympics are going to be there excited everybody. The Australians love Americans, they are so nice and hospitable. The food was great and the weather was nice. It was nice because Australia is not that different from the United States. But the greatest thing was the pool complex; when I walked in it was just breathtaking."

When did you decide to seriously focus on swimming?
"I started swimming when I was six years old, then quit because it was too cold for me! But I started again when I was eight. When I got to high school, I really focused on swimming because I was also running track, and I decided I couldn't do both. Pretty much from the beginning I was serious about swimming, but in high school I decided that that was the sport I wanted to focus on."

What other athlete do you admire?
"I really, really admire Jenny Thompson. We swim the same events and I got to know her a little bit better this summer. I admire her whole character."

How do you prepare yourself before a meet?
"My biggest thing is to just stay relaxed. I am at my best when I have nothing on my mind. I think all your thinking should go on at practice but once you get to the meet, just swim and let everything flow. I swam my worst was when I was thinking too much and worrying. I try to let everything come together and stay calm."

How do you think you will do at the Olympic trials?
"Honestly, I think when it comes to the Olympic trials, anything goes. You could have a bad meet or a great meet, you could be swimming well the past two years and then just suddenly bomb and do badly. Anybody can do it if they have the right mind frame. As far as having been in the Olympic pool complex, it gets me more excited because I've swam in the pool, I've seen the people and got to compete with the best in the world."

What was it like competing with other world-class athletes at the Pan-Pacific games?
"I think it was a good experience because I don't get to swim at the international level very often. It was good to see where I stood. I didn't get extra nervous because I didn't look at it as competing against someone foreign. I would just see them as another swimmer that I had to beat."

What is your favorite event?
"The 100 free. My favorite event used to be the 50 free but the 100 is good because it's not too long. I can't last much over that! Even the last 10 meters are a struggle for me. And the 100 is also not too short, like the 50 is too short and it takes me too long to get into the race. The 100 is just perfect, I can just dive in and go right away."

Why did you decide to attend UCLA?
"Because of its reputation for being one of the best schools academically and the balance with athletics. When I came on my recruiting trip, I just loved the team, the team chemistry, and the coaches. Cyndi (Gallagher) and Brad (Burnham) are some of the best coaches in college swimming."

How do you balance academics and athletics?
"The biggest thing for me is to not procrastinate! That is definitely something that I don't do. When I get assignments or I have to study, I get on it right away. It just adds extra stress if you don't get started. I am one of the least stressed out people because I take care of things when they need to be taken care of. I also stay focused and remind myself of my goals."

Last year you competed in every meet for UCLA and have been named MVP two years in a row. How do you stay so consistent and what keeps you motivated?
"I just think it's giving 100%. I always want our team to do well, and I figure my job here at UCLA is to swim fast, which is something I love to do."

If you could be a world-class athlete in another sport, what would it be?
"I love track. I love watching it and I think track runners have the nicest bodies. I wish I could do sprints."

What's your dream vacation?
"To go somewhere and not have to swim! I have traveled to many wonderful places but I couldn't really have a vacation because I had to swim twice a day. I think I would go to the Jamaica or the Bahamas and not have to touch chlorinated water!"

If you could have dinner with a famous person who would it be?
"Kobe Bryant, because I think he's so gorgeous and I'd like to get to know him. He's the same age as me and he carries himself very well and is very intelligent."

What is the one food you couldn't live without?
"My favorite thing to do is eat, so I couldn't live without everything. I am not a picky person and I love to eat everything."

If you could relive one year of your life, which one would you choose and why?
"I would relive my freshman year here at college. I was such a nerd and I didn't ever go out. Studying did pay off in the long run but I wish I went out more and had more fun."

What is the best lesson you have learned so far in college?
"In college, you get to be exposed to different people that you've never been exposed to. One of the best lessons I've learned is to accept people for who they are and not judge them."

What will you miss the most about UCLA?
"After I graduate, I will miss the team because I hang out with them so much. I jump in the water at 6:00 a.m. with them, spend the whole day with them. I think it's going to be a big shock not being around such great people all the time."

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