In our "Prolific Personalities" series, we look at how our student-athletes are putting a positive spin on the year that's been, delving into the good that has come during an unprecedented time.
Samuel Wang, a decorated veteran on the McGill University men's swim team, is wistfully wishing for a return to some normalcy for the upcoming fall season. After graduating in 2020 with a science degree in biochemistry, the 25-year-old native of Sherbrooke, Que., is currently in his second year of a master's degree in the faculty of biomedical and biological engineering. He also qualified for the Principal's Student-athlete Honour Roll, which is bestowed upon varsity athletes with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.
But after five years on campus, the 5-foot-10 sprinter is not quite ready to hang up his swim trunks.
"I miss being in the water," says the four-time Quebec conference all-star who earned All-Canadian honours with a silver medal finish at the nationals in his sophomore year. "The biggest appeal to me during my time with McGill Swimming was really the practices and the group environment. The way everyone pushes each other during practice.
"I definitely have mixed feelings about online studying," adds Wang, who was recruited out of College de Sherbrooke in 2016 and immediately made an impact with the swim program at McGill, earning Team MVP honours in each of his first two seasons. Over his four seasons, he has set numerous school records, including the 50-metre backstroke in 2019, which he completed in a sizzling 24.80 seconds. He was also on the record-setting 4x50 and 4x100 medley relay squads.
"The character and perseverance that I have developed as a swimmer has helped me really forge on forward through these tough times. While not swimming this season has been difficult simply because of the lack of availability to train, I have been able to progress onwards with my academics and my degree. I guess that my social life took a hit, like everyone else, but I am still able to reach out and engage with friends. Miraculously, I have been able to stay healthy. I've probably lost a bit of muscle, but I can still say that I'm pretty fit.
"As a swimmer and a student-athlete, there is always something that can knock you down, but I think that the resilience to get back up regardless and move forward has been very monumental. And this (pandemic lifestyle) to me is just one of those occurrences. It is not something that changed me, but rather something to test me. I see it that way and this is the way that I can handle the situation and move forward in life… Everyone has their own way of dealing with the pandemic and it affects some more than others.
"I think that despite not competing this year, our team spirit is still there… Building off the hype of last year's championship, (having no season this year) is a step back but I think we are all motivated to become better swimmers… with a pedal-to-the-medal attitude… All the success that McGill Swimming has had over the last few years will still carry the team forward to more of that.
Wang, who resides in an off-campus apartment near Place des Arts, admits that out-of-water dryland training is not his thing.
"I hate running but I do walk," he laughs. "The nature of my (laboratory) work allows me to walk long distances, usually up the hill (towards the McIntyre Medical Building). That walk does not really supplement my training routine but at least I get something done. You take all the small victories where you can get them.
When asked about his goals, he was focused on the short-term.
"To swim more, without a doubt and get into shape," says Wang definitively. "My academics have been pretty good simply because as a grad student, I have had the luxury of having the labs open -- with some restrictions -- and being able to progress towards my (master's) degree. I've been able to progress and strive there.
"But my athletic side definitely took a hit and I wanted to approach it like I have my whole life. Show up at practice and get my work in. With that work, you gain confidence. Focusing on the process that's basically what I'm trying to get to. However, there is too much uncertainty in the current situation to project long-term goals and time goals (in swimming) and positions in competitions. There are too many things that I can't control, so my focus is on what I can control… I am considering a possible PhD, but I've still got a few years left before I get to that decision.
One thing is certain, Wang has enjoyed his McGill experience.
"When I am finished with school, I will just miss walking through the campus. It is as simple as that. I get a mixed feeling of pride, joy and a bit of comfort. It's just nice to walk through the campus or around the mountain, to my next class. I'm not someone who usually rushes to the next class because I like to let the environment sink in. I'm going to miss that."
SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
Sports Information Officer
McGill Athletics and Recreation
(514) 398- 7012
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
www.mcgillathletics.ca
