Zane Grothe
U.S. National Team member - World Championship medalist – American and Auburn Record holder
2020 Olympic prospect – Dolfin Ambassador
About Zane Grothe
Zane Grothe, a long distance freestyle specialist who started his swimming career at just six weeks old, holds the American records in both the 500 and 1,650 yard freestyle. Before becoming a member of the U.S. National Team, Grothe attended Auburn University where he majored in Aerospace Engineering.
During his collegiate career Grothe earned 12 All American honors and two SEC championships. He also set school records in the 500, 1,000, and 1,650 yard freestyle and 800 yard freestyle relay.
Since graduating, Grothe has earned seven U.S. National medals and five on the international stage, including a gold in 800m freestyle, silver in the 1500m freestyle, and bronze in the 400m freestyle at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships.
“Joining Dolfin was destiny. I felt a connection to the company and have competed many times in their LightStrike technical suit. I see the potential in the suit like they see the potential in me as an athlete.”
Medals & Records
National
- American records in the 500y and 1650y free at the 2017 Winter National Championships
- Auburn University records in the 500y, 1,000y, and 1,650y free and 800 y free relay
- 12 All American honors
- 2x SEC Championships
- 1st place finish in the 400 and 800 free and 3rd place finish in the 1,500 free at the 2018 Phillips 66 National Championships
- 1st place finish in the 400 free, 2nd place finish in the 800 free, and 3rd place finish in the 200 free at the 2017 World Championship Trials
International
- 1st place finish in the 800 free, 2nd place finish in the 1,500 free, and 3rd place finish in the 400 free at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships
- 3rd place finish in the 800 free relay at the 2017 FINA World Championships
- 2nd place finish in the 800 free relay at the 2016 Short Course World Championships
Q&A with Zane
Q: What is your favorite event?
A: “My favorite event has changed through the years. I’d have to say the mile because it encompasses the longest pool race.”
Q: What is your training routine?
A: “I practice 10 times per week. Double swim practice four days a week and lifting sessions three days a week.”
Q: What are your goals for next season?
A: “For the short season, reset my two short course yards records and really put those out of reach for anyone else. My goal for the international season is to win a few medals and break more records, and do it in three different events.”
Q: How did you get your start in swimming?
A: “I grew up in southern Nevada, outside Lake Mede. My parents had a boat and wanted my sister and I to be water safety trained. I started with baby lessons at just six weeks old and just stuck with it. I later jumped onto the swim team and since I started young, I was ahead of the curve.”
Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in the pool?
A: “Watch movies. My favorite is October Sky. I also tutor in the Athletic Department at Indiana University.”
Q: What advice do you have for up and coming swimmers?
A: “More and better communication across the board – with coaches, parents, teammates. Don’t take on the problems yourself, whether it is injuries, depression, tips for eating right, help with technique or lifting, etc. Ask for help.”
Q: What is your favorite Dolfin product and why?
A: “The LightStrike racing suit. I don’t have to worry about it when I step out, I have protection and I don’t need to worry about the suit slowing me down. It holds up nice against other top racing suits.”
Q: Where did you go to school? What do you study?
A: “Auburn University. Studied Aerospace Engineering.”
Q: Where do you swim now?
A: “I train in Bloomington with the Indiana Hoosiers.”
Q: What inspires/motivates you?
A: “What motivates me? Performance. Knowing that I have more to achieve and seeing how good I can be. I don’t compare myself to other people, whether international or domestic. If I can improve myself, achieve another best time; focus on the little things I can work on.
What inspires me? Being popular in the sport of swimming gives me a platform to communicate to the youth of the country and the swimming world. This is not a responsibility I take lightly. Over time, it’s become a little less about performance and more about who I can reach and what message I can send.”
Q: What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list in the next five years?
A: “Make an Olympic team. I want to be a part of the fraternity known as Olympians. That’s the last missing piece of my career.”
Q: Why did you want to become a Dolfin ambassador?
A: “Joining Dolfin was destiny. I felt a connection to the company and have competed many times in their LightStrike technical suit. I see the potential in the suit, like they see the potential in me as an athlete.”
Q: What’s the back story on your signature hairdo?
A: “It started when I was little. To get pumped up for the Nevada state meet, Kids would put really funny designs into their hair like hand prints. The first time I did it, I cut it into a Mohawk. When I became a senior in high school, I spike it up and have done it every year since then as it gets close to SwimFest. It’s a visual representation for me. Fresh hairdo = swim time.”
