Emily Mlyarnek and Meg Phillips, both ’14 | Staff Writer and Page Editor

To be the best, you have to compete against the best.

While a large percentage of the country was glued to the Olympics on TV, two South siblings were close to going as participants. Catie DeLoof ’15 and Gabby DeLoof ’14 joined 1,800 of America’s best swimmers at the Olympic Trials in July in Omaha, Neb.

“Swimming on the same deck as Olympians was the highlight of my experience,” said Gabby DeLoof.

On deck, they said they met several successful Olympians such as Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Rebecca Soni and Missy Franklin; all of whom won Olympic gold in London.

At the meet, neither swam as well as they hoped. The two placed 100th and 117th respectively out of 185 women in the 100 meter backstroke. Gabby DeLoof also swam in the 200 meter backstroke. Only the top two swimmers in each event make it to the Olympics, they said.

“Even though I gained time, I felt good about my swim because I moved up in my ranking,” said Catie DeLoof.

Looking back at her swims, Gabby DeLoof said that there are some things she would like to have changed, including her turns. She also wishes that she had started faster in each of her events.

Still, the sisters said they were glad to participate in such a unique and highly publicized meet.

“There were so many people watching compared to most of the smaller meets we swim in,” said Gabby DeLoof. “The pool deck and the stands were packed with people.”

This meet was more costly than most meets they attend, due to air and hotel fair. USA Swimming was been able to reimburse participants a small portion based on the amount of swimmers and funds available, Gabby DeLoof said.

“The best perk was being on that stage with cameras, TVs and swimming with the best swimmers in the United States,” said Gabby DeLoof.

Like most swimmers at the trials, Gabby and Catie began swimming at a young age. However, the DeLoof sisters were younger than the majority of the athletes.

Year round, they swim competitively for Pointe Aquatics, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and Grosse Pointe South. Both Gabby and Catie say that their favorite part about the sport is being able to have fun with their team mates.

“They are talented and they have had a lot of experience swimming,” said South’s head swim coach Eric Gunderson. “They also have a body type that is well suited (for swimming): tall, thin with long arms and legs.”

Swimming together as improves Gabby and Catie’s competitive edge, yet they also support each other, Gunderson said.

“Each of the DeLoof sisters are a great asset to the team, providing support and healthy competition to each other and their teammates,” said Carly Hampton ’14.

Competing in the Olympic Trials was a huge accomplishment for the two, Catie Deloof said. To participate, all swimmers had to meet a required time standard. Gabby DeLoof met this standard in 2011 while Catie did this year.

“Their hard work and dedication to the sport is a testament to the efforts they put forth to accomplish what they would like to achieve,” said Gabby and Catie’s father, Richard DeLoof.
Catie and Gabby were accompanied by their supportive family on the trip to Omaha.

“It was exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and a pleasure to experience as a family. Words cannot express the sense of pride, accomplishment and joy we have for our daughters,” said Gabby and Catie’s mother Dr. Patricia DeLoof.

This experience has not only been fun and challenging for the athletes, but has also provided motivation to swim faster. This fall, Catie DeLoof said that they would like to focus on working harder to continue to improve.

“Our goals are to work hard, have fun, swim faster, and not to let anything get to us,” said Catie DeLoof.

The two also hope to make it back to the 2016 Olympic Trials, and dream of competing in Rio de Janeiro, Gabby Deloof said.

They realize that reaching their dreams entails hours of hard work almost every day, but believe it will be worth it in the long run.

“If you want to set a goal, you have to work really hard to achieve it,” said Gabby DeLoof.