Jason Lezak grew up in Irvine, CA and began swimming at the age of 5. He is a seasoned veteran of 3 Olympics and holds 7 Olympic medals. He anchored the 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning 4 x 100 relay, where he swam the fastest relay split in history. Most recently, Jason Lezak won gold at the Pan Pacific Games and qualified for the 2011 World Championships. Jason is happily married, a proud father and is considered to be one of the most athletic and energetic personalities in the sport of swimming.
ASK JASON A QUESTION
Do you have a question for Jason? Ask him by filling out the form below. Answers to select questions will be posted on this website.
JASON ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
Question from Hans of Sumter, SC: It was your first time to be in Israel for the Maccabiah Games. How did that visit change your life? What did you learn about yourself?
Jason's Answer: It was an amazing experience. After my bar mitzvah I lost touch with my religion a little bit. It was amazing to see all the things I read about as a kid and feel the sense of Jewish pride to race for team USA in a different way than I was used to.
Question from Nanette of Medford, OR: What's your exercise routine like?
Jason's Answer: Swim 5 times a week for an hour and a half. Lift twice a week for an hour. Do cardio at the gym twice a week for 30 minutes. Stretch an hour every day.
Question from Dexter of Charleston, WV: Just how fast did you have to swim just to catch up with Alain Bernard?
Jason's Answer: 46.06. My fastest relay split by about 1 second.
Question from Callie of Gainesville, FL: I know this sounds crazy, but I've heard that swimmers need to be hydrated. I'm hearing recommendations of drinking sports drinks or water about every 15 minutes at the least, what's your take on this?
Jason's Answer: I agree, all athletes need to keep hydrated. I drink about 24 ounces during my practice and then another 16 when I'm done.
Question from Aileen of Laredo TX: You have been described as an engaging and inspiring motivational speaker. Where do you draw inspiration from?
Jason's Answer: I just like to share my story with others and hope it can inspire them to never give up on their dreams.
Question from Kris of Rochester, MN: Four Olympic golds, lots of competitions later, where do you see yourself, 5 to 10 years from now?
Jason's Answer: Professionally I don't know yet. But I do know I will be enjoying spending time with my family and watching my kids grow and have all the experiences I had as a kid.
Question from Michael of West Palm Beach, FL: I'd like to know what you do to protect your skin. Being out in the sun too much, I am scared of what it could do to my skin. Most of the products out there are for women.
Jason's Answer: Just use sunscreen before and a lotion that doesn't smell too bad after.
Question from Ike of Portland, ME: Is it true that you should stack up on carbohydrates before your swim? It's said to boost your body's energy. But I also heard that it makes you fat?
Jason's Answer: I like to eat 5 to 6 meals a day of balanced meals. Meaning I get protein, carbohydrates and fats with each meal. This is best for short term and long term energy.
Question from Kurt of Lynchburg, VA: What kind of diet did you have when you were younger? How did it change when you got into professional swimming?
Jason's Answer: As a kid I ate pretty healthy but didn't eat nearly as much protein as I do now. It's ok to have a treat once in a while but now as a professional it is much less often.
Question from Grace of Syracuse, NY: It seems weird not to have a personal coach these days, but I think you opted not to have one, why was this?
Jason's Answer: I learned so much throughout the years from my coaches and decided that when my last coach moved I knew enough to train on my own. Knowing what I need to do is the easy part. Doing it by myself is the challenge.
Question from Zee of Greensboro, NC: You stand more than six feet tall, do you think height has an advantage in swimming?
Jason's Answer: I believe so. There are people under 6 feet who have done amazing things in the sport but more and more of the best swimmers are taller.
Question from Rommel of Altoona, PA: You started swimming at the age of 5, but what do you think is the best age to start swimming? How old should one be to start swimming?
Jason's Answer: Every person is different. I would suggest trying as many sports as possible to decide which one you enjoy the most.
Question from Renee of San Diego, CA: After competing several times for the Olympics, and helping the US team get the gold in 2008, what more do you want to accomplish in swimming?
Jason's Answer: I hope to make it to my 4th Olympics at 36 years old and win another few medals for team USA.
Question from Pam of Miami, FL: What is your favorite meal?
Jason's Answer: Unfortunately my favorite meal isn't healthy so I rarely eat it. Ribs and apple pie a la mode for desert.
Question from Bernadette of Salt Lake City, Utah: I've read that you were also into baseball, basketball and soccer when you were younger, why did you decide to focus on swimming?
Jason's Answer: I decided to focus on swimming because I believed that was my best shot to make it to college and hopefully the olympics some day.
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"It's important to respect both your teammates and your opponents."
Jason Lezak
LINKS
Jason Lezak Official Website:
www.jasonlezak.com
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