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110 GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED for that long run. "It's pretty tough because I've been doing this my whole life," Petric said. "My body handles the training differently, but keeping the goals in mind is crucial for distance swim- mers." And maybe it's just the hard work they've always known. "Most Division I swimmers have been swimming since they were 5 or 6 years old," Davis said. "We don't really know anything else. Of course, swimming at this level is a lot more difficult, but it's not something I wasn't prepared for. The fact that there are always new girls on the team makes it easier to push yourself." The lifestyle challenges may be the toughest part of be- ing a Big Ten swimmer, Davis said. But she believes there's usually one thing at a time you can focus on improving, whether it's achieving a better diet, more sleep, or a sport and scholastic balance. In the classroom, both women are preparing themselves for careers outside of the pool. Both were named Scholar All-Americans by the College Swimming Coaches of Amer- ica Association in 2015. Those academic accolades accom- pany the Academic All-Big Ten and Distinguished Big Ten Scholar awards that each earned. Davis hopes to return to California after graduation to attend law school. Petric, an interior design major, would like to land a job with an architectural firm. And for both, having spent countless hours in the Boilermaker Aquat- ic Center, the training and camaraderie might lay the groundwork for success in the rest of their lives. j Tom Campbell Petric (left) and Davis hope to build on strong showings over the summer. Petric competed at the World University Games in Korea and Davis had a couple top-15 finishes at USA Swimming Nationals in San Antonio. harder. Here's a guy that's totally focused on being the best swimmer and best student he can be." The commitment could equate to faster times. "Taking part in international competitions, I've gained valuable experience racing against fast swim- mers from different countries," Amaltdinov said. "So the international experience helps me to be confident in Big Ten and NCAA competitions." As for picking up speed in the water, it may be all timing and effort. Sustaining his training and build- ing toward his best times in the spring, Amaltdinov said he just tries to do his best in practice every day, even on days when he's tired. "I also work on building strength in the weight room to feel more powerful in the water," said Amaltdinov, who works on techniques like turns and stroke pace in the pool. "All these factors help me to get faster." And for a young man from Russia, driven to success in a sport where the very best of all the personal bests wins out, the possibilities may be nearly limitless. Per- haps rising as high as the Chicago skyline. — William Meiners