Ro Coppola

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  • Current Age Group: 55-59
  • Team you are a part of: Cross Border Swim Training
  • When did you start competitively swimming? 2021 (I’ve only been swimming since 2016 when my knees gave out and Chad Steed  and Ken Mammo saved my life by teaching me to swim from scratch very late in life.)
  • How long have you been in Michigan Masters? 2021
  • What is your favorite swim event/race? 200 free (although I did enjoy my first 500 free race)
  • So far, what was your favorite Masters Swim Meet? My very first meet where I had no idea what I was doing but somehow was able to get a couple of first place ribbons.  Of course – my sisters LOVED to point out that I was the only competitor in my age group 🤷🏽‍♀️.  Also enjoyed the outdoor Detroit Yacht Club meet.
  • What is your favorite set?  A Ledecky which is a 200 free/100 free/2 x50 free with 20 sec rest after each one
  • What is something you need to improve or are constantly working on in the pool? SO much.  My catch, my kick, my turn, speed.
  • What are your big swim goal(s)? To compete in my first state meet and first Canadian Nationals meet!
  • Favorite swim Olympian?  Sheila Taormina who won a gold medal in Atlanta in 96.  I was there covering the games for WDIV and she was our hometown girl!  She then became an Olympic triathlete.  She’s just a bad ass. I also was fortunate enough to cover Allison Schmitt during her entire career and get to know not only Allison but her family too.  Class acts all around.  And finally Katie Ledecky because she’s Katie Ledecky!
  • What do you like to do outside the pool? I loveTo hang out with my 5 nieces and nephews, golf, play pickleball and spend time with my friends and family!