Amanda Kendall, of the United States, is all alone as she swims ahead of the pack during the last leg of the finals for the women's 4x100m medley relay swimming event at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, Oct. 21, 2011. The United States won the gold medal. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
(photo provided by LSU Sports Information)
Birthdate: 1/16/1991
Place of Birth: Fairfax, Va.
Hometown: Fairfax, Va.
College: Louisiana State University
Class: Junior
Height: 5-8
Event(s): Freestyle/Butterfly
Nickname: “AK 47″
College major: Sport Administration
What club team did you train with?
I joined Mason MAKOs in 1998 and I still train with my MAKO coach’s Peter Ward and Heather Coulson Haddock when I am home for the holidays. I am still a member of PVS with MAKO.
What high school did you compete for?
I swam for the Robinson Rams all four years (2005-2009). State Champions my Senior Year!!!
Where did you swim summer league?
I was seven when I joined my local summer swim team, Kings Ridge Water Wizards. I’ll never forget the first practice, the coach said to jump in and do a 100 freestyle and I looked up at him and asked, “What is freestyle?” Needless to say, he moved me to the developmental group to learn the basic techniques of swimming. I think that summer is when I fell in love with swimming. I swam from 1997 to 2009, but members from 1994 to present.
(photo provided by LSU Sports Information)
Accolades:
2011 NCAA First-Team All-America
2011 US Pan-American Four-Time Gold Medalist
Six-time NCAA Honorable Mention All-American
2011 All-SEC Second Team
LSU Record-holder in the 100 and 200 freestyle, 200 and 800 freestyle relays and 400 medley relay
2010-11 Team Co-Captain
2010 USA Swimming National Championships Participant
2011-2012 Rank/Olympic Trials Qualifying Times:
#33 100m freestyle – 54.75 (2011 Pan American Games)
#102 100 butterfly – 1:00.00 (2011 Conoco Phillips National Championships)
#106 200m freestyle – 2:00.14 (2011 Conoco Phillips National Championships)
#135 50m freestyle – 25.84 (2011 Texas Senior Circuit #4)
Family:
Parents: Alan and Cheri Kendall
Siblings: Cody Kendall; Jennifer Kendall Murphy
(photo provided by LSU Sports Information)
Favorite part about being a LSU Tiger?
The team environment is by far my favorite part and lets not forget about LSU’s football team!!! During my recruiting trip to LSU, I knew immediately that I had found my new home. It was definitely hot enough and the team bond and spirit was nothing I had ever seen or felt before. It was everything that I was looking for. I love LSU and couldn’t imagine myself at any other university. GEAUX TIGERS!
When did you start swimming competitively?
I joined Mason MAKO’s when I was eight and only swam during their spring session to prepare for my summer league team for four years. I started year round swimming with MAKO when I was 12, with two practices a week and gradually increased my training over the next six years. I started swimming seriously when I was about 13.
Person you would most like to race?
There isn’t one person I can think of. I want to race anyone that is going to push me so I can continue to improve my racing and times.
Do you have any pre-meet, pre-race or meet-day rituals or habits you must go through?
When I am behind the block I stretch and have a jump routine to get my blood pumping right before my race.
(Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Favorite food(s)?
In the morning I eat oatmeal and I really like bagels with peanut butter. During meets I eat a banana or power bar depending on how long the meet lasts. After my final swim I like to drink chocolate milk for my recovery.
Favorite song(s)?
I don’t have just one song. My iTouch is full of pumped up songs. I put my headphones on and hit shuffle and get in the zone to any song that comes on.
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I love Sponge Bob =) Anytime I turn of TV and Sponge Bob is on my day is made! I even have a lucky Sponge Bob towel that travels with me.
We will be posting training updates from Amanda starting next week. Follow Amanda on Twitter @amanda_kendall1. Check back tomorrow to read another athlete profile.