Team USA Swimmers Erin Gemmell and Claire Weinstein Share Their Secrets to Wellness, Motivation, and Memorable Moments with Katie Ledecky

Dive into Wellness: Team USA Swimmers Erin Gemmell and Claire Weinstein Share Their Secrets

In the world of elite sports, the spotlight often shines on the athletes’ physical prowess, leaving little room to explore the mental and emotional aspects of their journey. In a recent episode of Chill Chat with Bustle, Team USA swimmers Erin Gemmell and Claire Weinstein opened up about their wellness routines, mental health strategies, and the camaraderie they share with their teammates, including the legendary Katie Ledecky.

The Early Bird Gets the Medal

Imagine waking up at 4 a.m. for practice, day in and day out. For Gemmell and Weinstein, this is just part of their routine. With training sessions that can reach up to 13 times a week, including early morning practices, maintaining motivation is crucial.

Erin Gemmell, 19, shared her secret to waking up early: “A lot of the struggle is like, I got to put my phone down. So at 9 or 10 p.m., I know I have to do it or else I’ll feel the consequences.” This simple yet effective strategy helps her prioritize rest, ensuring she’s ready to tackle the day ahead.

Claire Weinstein, the younger of the two at 17, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of learning from every practice, even on the tough days. “You’re probably going to have more bad days than good days. And on bad days, you have to come out of practice learning something,” she said. This mindset not only helps them stay focused but also fosters resilience.

Mental Health Matters

In a sport where physical performance is paramount, mental health can often take a backseat. However, both Gemmell and Weinstein are vocal about the importance of mental wellness in their lives.

Weinstein shared her struggle with anxiety and self-doubt, revealing that self-affirmations play a significant role in her mental preparation. “People joke about self-affirmations, but they really help me,” she said. “In the pool, just reassuring myself that I’ve trained for this, I’m prepared, I can do this.”

For Gemmell, journaling serves as a therapeutic outlet. “I can throw every single thing that’s in my brain on a page in my worst possible handwriting that no one could ever read, and then it’s on the page and not in my head,” she explained. This practice allows her to release pent-up thoughts and feelings, creating space for positivity and focus.

Finding Balance with Self-Care

With such demanding schedules, self-care becomes essential. Both athletes have their unique ways of unwinding. Weinstein enjoys using essential oils and has a diffuser at home, while Gemmell values her downtime. “I’m a big fan of making myself do nothing,” she said. Scheduling time to relax, watch a show, or read a book helps her recharge and maintain balance in her life.

Cherished Moments with Teammates

The bond between teammates is a vital aspect of their journey. When asked about their favorite memories with Katie Ledecky, both swimmers lit up. Weinstein recalled her first meeting with Ledecky at the 2022 World Championships, where Ledecky’s presence provided comfort and inspiration. “She’s just a really good person to look up to,” Weinstein said.

Gemmell shared a more lighthearted moment, recalling a time she offered to do Ledecky’s nails. “It’s really nice to have some normal, non-athlete kind of sleepover ‘girl time’ activity where we can just chat,” she said, highlighting the importance of friendship and normalcy amidst the pressures of competition.

Looking Ahead

As they continue their training and prepare for upcoming competitions, both Gemmell and Weinstein are excited about what lies ahead. Weinstein is gearing up for the Open Water World Juniors in Italy, while Gemmell is focused on embracing her sophomore year at the University of Texas with a renewed sense of purpose.

In a world where the pursuit of excellence can often overshadow personal well-being, Erin Gemmell and Claire Weinstein remind us that balance, mental health, and strong relationships are just as crucial as physical training. Their journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-care, and the importance of community in achieving greatness.

As we cheer them on in their future endeavors, let’s take a page from their book and prioritize our own wellness—because in the end, it’s not just about the medals, but the memories and connections we make along the way.