Chad Steed
Current Age Group: 50-54
Team you are a part of: BKTS (USA) and WEST – Windsor Essex Swim Team (CAN)
When did you start competitively swimming? I was 11, started with summer league swimming and then swam for USA Swimming in Georgia (Augusta Swim League).
How long have you been in Michigan Masters? 25+ Years, I started when I moved to Michigan from South Carolina. I came here to work for Ford, and I knew no one. Masters swimming helped me make immediate friends… who I still have today.
What is your favorite swim event/race? 50 Fly, 50 Breast, 100 Fly, and the 100 Breast (I like those short axis strokes).
So far, what was your favorite Masters Swim Meet? When I won my first Gold at Gay Games in 2014 and the 2022 U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship in Richmond, VA taking 2nd in the 50 Fly.
What is your favorite set? Any set with Fins! Love Swimming fly with Fins (25s, 50s, 75s, 100s) also love swimming a “Ledecky” (one of her favorites sets) Broken 400 Free: 200 Free 20 sec rest, 100 Free 20 sec rest, 50 Free 20 sec rest, then a final 50 Free. You take your time minus the rest (total 1 minute), and you have a time for comparison throughout the season to see where you are.
What is something you need to improve or constantly working on in the pool? Underwaters (not popping up too soon ☹). Also, want to get my 50 free back in play.
What are your big swim goal(s)? 50 Fly under 25.00, 100 Fly under 56:00, 200 Fly under 2:10.00 (SCY).
Favorite swim Olympian? I have met many Olympians, but my all-time favorite is Nathan Adrian. I have had the chance to be in three of his clinics, and he is amazing in and out of the water.
What do you like to do outside the pool? I am falling in love with Pickleball. I enjoy traveling with my husband and playing with our two Australian Shepherds.