Already a European Champion, Isakovic Sets Sights on Olympic Gold

The daughter of a pilot and a professional swimmer, incoming Cal freshman Sara Isakovic spent her childhood traveling around the world.

Her father's career kept her in the sky, but her mother's inspiration kept her in the water.

Starting when she was seven years old, Isakovic found any reason and anywhere to swim.

"Since I was a little kid we used to travel a lot; therefore, my twin brother and I spend our childhood bathing and swimming in the sea and hotel pools," Isakovic said. "I was especially eager to start training, and that's when it all started."

Nine years later, Isakovic went from swimming in hotel pools to swimming in Athens as a member of the 2004 Slovenian Olympic team.

The then-16-year-old finished 18th in the 200m freestyle and 26th in the 100m freestyle. This summer, Isakovic will again represent her country, but she returns with four more years of experience and growing expectations.

"In Athens I was 16 years old -- very young and still inexperienced," Isakovic said. "The Olympic Games were more like a reward for me.

"My main goal is to come into the finals in my main event, the 200 free, and swim my national record time. The better the time is, the higher my position will be. This year I have the second best time in the world so my aims are very high."

In March, Isakovic became the European champion in her signature event -- her most prized accomplishment to-date. Two weeks ago at the Croatian Open Championships, the 20-year-old drowned her old Slovenian record in the 200m free with a time of 1:55.90.

"I'm not an explicit sprinter nor a long distance swimmer so 200 is just great for me," Isakovic said. "I'm fast and I also have a lot of stamina so it helps me swim the distance well."

She now holds the second fastest time in the world -- bested only by American Katie Hoff. The next time the two will meet is in Beijing.

"I'm definitely going to challenge Katie Hoff in the 200 free, because I swam only 0.02 seconds slower than her this year," Isakovic said. "I'm very excited about my races and I'll love competing with one of the best swimmers in the world."

Isakovic sent a warning to Hoff with her record time. It was the mark of a seasoned athlete, and of a growing confidence.

"I can say that I have grown up since (2004) and become mentally and physically stronger and more self-confident," Isakovic said. "The only difference with Olympics is that it's a mentally tough competition.

"There is a lot of pressure present, tension and personal expectations which can sometimes cause problems. I experienced that in Athens so I know that this time I have to be more relaxed and have take the competition as any other one."

Perhaps her new experienced outlook will carry over into her Cal career. But first, Beijing.

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