Three-time All-Met swimmer Bradley Phillips has been tearing up the distance events for years. He holds records at the local, state, and national levels, and he is looking for more in only his second year competing for his home-state university. Known for his great work ethic in the water and his spirit and leadership out of the water, Phillips is hoping to get back to ACC's and help his team win a conference championship this season.
(photo provided by Ron Phillips)
Birthdate: 5/31/1992
Place of Birth: Annandale, Va.
Hometown: Herndon, Va.
College: University of Virginia
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-4
Event(s): Freestyle
Nickname: “B-rad”
College major: Undecided
Club Team: Curl-Burke Swim Club, 2000-present
High School: Oakton High School, 2006-2010 (2010 Va. AAA State Champions)
Summer League: Pinecrest (NVSL), 1998-2010
(photo provided by Ron Phillips)
Accolades:
Ranks 10th in the 400 IM on U-Va.'s all-time top times list
Recorded three top-5 finishes at his first ACC Championships
Selected to the All-ACC Academic Team
Three-time Virginia AAA state champion
Holds national high school record in the 400-meter freestyle
Set Virginia state records in the 200 and 400-meter freestyle
Potomac Valley Swimming record holder in 500 and 1000 freestyle
2011-2012 Rank/Olympic Trials Qualifying Times:
#143 400 individual medley – 4:25.38
(2011 Conoco Phillips National Championships)
#178 1500m freestyle – 15:42.84
(2011 Conoco Phillips National Championships)
#278 400m freestyle – 3:58.56
(2011 Conoco Phillips National Championships)
Family:
Parents: Ron and Linda Phillips
Brother: Brian Phillips (Oakton senior; committed to swim at Bucknell in 2012)
Favorite part about being a Wahoo?
The people on the swimming and diving team stands out as my favorite thing about U-Va. The camaraderie that we have as a team is unrivaled and was a key factor in deciding to come here. I wouldn't trade the things we do as a team here for anything. We are all very close and it's definitely something special that I'm honored to be a part of.
When did you start swimming competitively? What was your first team?
With all of my friends from the neighborhood in elementary school at the local summer swim team when I was six. First competitive team was the Pinecrest Piranhas. Growing up with the same kids for 12 years every summer was an awesome experience.
(photo provided by Ron Phillips)
Person you would most like to race?
Erik Vendt (2000's) and Jeff Kostoff (1980's). They were two of the toughest competitors and racers that swam the distance freestyle events. Additionally, they are two of the greatest training athletes of all time, with awe inspiring work ethics. They've done some unbelievably legendary sets, so it'd be a challenge racing two extremely tough athletes, but it would be a great time.
Do you have any pre-meet, pre-race or meet-day rituals or habits you must go through?
I always slap my arms right before I step up on the blocks (something I learned from Matt McLean many years ago), and I'll say a quick prayer during the national anthem of every meet.
Favorite food(s)?
Powerbars. Lots of them.
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I'm a huge sports fan and I want to work in the industry later. I once ate well over 3lbs of Chipotle in a competition. FIFA 12 expert.
We will be posting training updates from Phillips starting next week. Follow Brad on Twitter @phillipsbradley. Check back tomorrow to read another athlete profile.