Fresh off a standout NCAA career, Canadian swimmer Josh Liendo is poised to make waves at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But, as he prepares for this monumental moment, Liendo reflects on the turbulent journey that has led him here. In the high-pressure world of elite sports, athletes often have a finite window to cash in on their physical prowess, usually during the Olympics. This is a time when the stakes are high, and the pressure to perform is immense. For some, this window might open for an Olympic cycle or two, while for others, it never fully materializes. Liendo, however, believes he's found his sweet spot, and with just two years to go until the 2028 Olympics, he's determined to make the most of it. "I'm not going to put a limit on it. I'm going to fight. I'm going to race. I'm going to go for as many wins as I can. That's just the mentality that I have," he says with unwavering conviction. What makes Liendo's story particularly fascinating is the way he's navigated setbacks and challenges. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he became the first Black Canadian swimmer to win a medal, capturing silver in the 100m butterfly. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph but also opened doors for future Black Canadian swimmers. However, Liendo's journey to the top hasn't been without its hurdles. During his NCAA career at the University of Florida, he faced health issues and setbacks that threatened to derail his progress. "I was just getting sick. My health just wasn't good, doing bloodwork and trying to figure out what was going on," he recalls. These challenges, though daunting, served as a turning point in his career. "It's okay to have setbacks. Time heals all. I just went through it. I kind of just stopped worrying about it that much. Just leave it behind me and then go forward," he says with a newfound appreciation for the importance of rest and recovery. What many people don't realize is that Liendo's success is not just about physical prowess but also mental fortitude. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive mindset is a testament to his resilience. "I got to understand that process, I think that process is more important. I found out how to get there, how I'm going to do that, how I'm going to give myself that margin for error so small I got to leave no room for any doubt," he explains. This mindset shift has been crucial in his journey, allowing him to approach each race with a clear head and a focused mind. As Liendo prepares for the 2028 Olympics, he carries with him the lessons learned from his NCAA career and the challenges he faced. "I love being around water. Go to the ocean, right? Even going to swim, the sound, it's just kind of calming for me. And when I was going through a bit of a tough time, I just kind of thought about that," he says, drawing strength from the ocean that has been a constant in his life. In my opinion, Liendo's story is a powerful reminder that success in sports is not just about winning medals but also about the journey and the lessons learned along the way. His ability to persevere through setbacks and maintain a positive mindset is a quality that will undoubtedly serve him well in his pursuit of Olympic glory.
