A top student-athlete from Western Albemarle High School is swimming into uncharted waters. Remedy Rule has qualified for the United States Olympic trials. Wednesday, she and her coach shared what it takes to reach their sport's biggest stage.
At the age of 15, Remedy is a rising sophomore at Western Albemarle, who is about to head west for a shot at the Olympic team, and a trip to London. She trains at the Waynesboro YMCA, which can now boast four Olympic hopefuls over its long history of competitive swimming.
Slicing through the water just as she has since age seven, Remedy has learned to trust the steady rhythm of swim training.
"Every day I go in and practice, I just try to think about every little thing about my stroke, and about how to hit my times," she said.
And it's worked. Remedy was just 14 years old last summer, when she posted her first qualifying time for the Olympic trials. Even now, as she tapers in preparation for the national meet, Remedy has speed to spare.
"She was swimming fast times, fast enough to hit her goals for the meet," SMAC Coach Norm Wright said. "And then she came in today and I told her ‘okay, take it easy - easy speed, let's see what you've got.' And it was even faster."
Remedy swims year-round with the Shenandoah Marlins Aquatic Club, while keeping a straight-A average at Western Albemarle, and even volunteering in the pool.
"She's very involved in her school and her community," said Waynesboro YMCA Director Jeff Fife. "She's one of the leaders of this team. So it's really special for us not just because she's going to the Olympic trials, but because of who Remedy is."
At the trials in Omaha, Nebraska, she'll share the pool with the nation's best.
"People have been searching and reaching their whole lives just to get to have that experience," Wright said. "For Remedy to be 15, and last summer 14 to get these cuts, is just unprecedented."
Remedy will have three chances to make the U.S. Olympic team - the 100- and 200-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter backstroke. But she plans to measure success in other ways.
"Taking in all the experiences that are there, and just swimming my best, and being grateful for what I'm able to do," Remedy said.
Remedy departs for the Olympic trials on Saturday, and will swim at least three races over the following week. Her coach says she'll get some national television exposure if she reaches the semifinals.
