Team Speedo

Get to Know Australian Distance Star Mack Horton

Mack Horton

Have you ever wished you could sit down and have a chat with your favourite Team Speedo athletes? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We caught up with Australian distance superstar Mack Horton about everything from how he trains to his favourite Netflix show.

Mack Horton is regarded as one of the best swimmers in the world, having won medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships and Commonwealth Games. Mack broke his first Australian record at just 13 years old.

Sport

Q: How did you get into swimming?

A: I learnt to swim at Harold Holt Aquatic Centre, and I loved being in the water so kept at it. I have been training at Melbourne Vicentre for 13 years now.

Q: What has been the swim of your life so far?

A: The anchor leg of the 4×200 at the 2019 World Champs. So much speed.

Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?

A: I like to kneel next to the blocks and splash myself with water. It’s nice to feel the pool temperature and weight of the water in my hands before I dive in.

Q: How do you overcome off-days?

A: I always go back to the reason of why I’m doing what I’m doing. I also constantly put effort in to make sure that I’m happy in what I do.

Q: Aside from swimming, do you do any other sports?

A: I’m useless at everything except swimming, but I like sailing, and I also enjoy watching AFL, tennis and Formula 1.

Out of the Pool

Q: If you were a boxer, what would your walk-out music be?

A: I like to be in my head, so silence is key. I’d own the silence though.

Q: How do you relax and celebrate after a great swim?

A: I eat junk food and hang out with friends. If it’s the end of the season, I’ll have some time off and do things I wouldn’t normally get to do, like travel.

Q: How would those closest to you describe you?

A: Awkward but genuine.

Q: What’s your favourite Netflix series?

A: The Crown.

Q: Which sports team do you support?

Melbourne FC.

You can find out more about Mack here.

 



Speedo

Speedo

Writer and expert