As a child he had dreams of becoming a professional basketball player. As a teenager he had scholarship opportunities to play water polo. Not until his early twenties did Jason Lezak focus on swimming—the sport for which most people know him.
A seven-time Olympic medalist, Lezak etched his name in the swimming history books during the 2008 Beijing Olympics for his individual efforts and as the anchor leg of the 400 meter freestyle relay, which helped keep alive Michael Phelps’ record pursuit of eight gold medals.
A spokesperson for chasing dreams and never giving up, Lezak will bring his Olympic message to make a big splash at Gustavus this Sunday. Every other year the Campus Activities Board (CAB) allocates money to bring a high-profile speaker to campus, and Lezak is this year’s choice. “With the Olympics taking place this summer, we thought it would be great to get an Olympic athlete that people would know,” said Senior Communication Studies Major and CAB Speakers Executive Delphine Broccard.
In addition to seeing Lezak speak, those in attendance will have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with the Olympic swim team captain and obtain autographed photos. “He is basically my role model. I am definitely going to see him speak,” said Sophomore Mark Larson.
While he is at Gustavus, Lezak also agreed to work with Gustavus’ nationally recognized swimming and Diving team. “From what I understand, he is doing some clinics on stroke technique and offering other advice,” said Junior Management Major and swim team member Casey Enevoldsen.
CAB still encourages those uninterested in swimming or athletics to come see Lezak. “I’m sure he will talk about his journey to become an Olympic athlete, [and] that hard work message doesn’t just apply in athletics, but [to] life in general,” said Broccard.
CAB will be hosting a weeklong raffle for the opportunity to eat dinner with Lezak and CAB executives before his speech. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for an 8:00 p.m. start time in Alumni Hall. Only 400 chairs will be there, so CAB encourages anyone planning on attending to come early.