St. Lucia, “the Helen of the West” does not only produce majestic pitons, a world heritage site, lush green forests, and gorgeous waterfalls but also creates talented people. Jordan Augier's swimming talent is a unique gift not only to St. Lucia but to the rest of the world. Jordan Augier’s wave of talent is crashing on the shores of Rio, Brazil, where the fruits of his labour will be showcased to the world. This undeniable daredevil, will be making a splash at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, all in the name of St. Lucia, his prestige Iyanola.
OY: What did it feel like in the moment that you qualified for the Olympic games?
JA: It felt amazing to get the news. It also felt like somewhat of a finish line due to the nine years of training for the Olympics. It has been an incredible journey, since I have been swimming for sixteen years. I felt an instant rush of unexplainable emotions. I almost broke my phone when I got the email. I kept on reading the third and fourth lines of the email over and over. I could not believe it. I slammed my phone on the table and jumped up and down. It was funnier since I was at a restaurant at the time. After settling down, I realized I have a huge sense of purpose in being a national athlete and a representative of Saint Lucia, as well as the Saint Lucia swimming association.
OY: What would you say has been the most difficult part of your journey as a professional athlete?
JA: I am not a professional athlete because I am not getting paid due to the NCAA (rules and regulations; we are not allowed to have sponsors or get paid. We are only allowed to be amateurs). The difficulties I have experienced are injuries. I have experienced two major injuries; an injury to left shoulder (which is very popular in swimming. One in every three swimmers has it). I also had a right knee injury for the past 2 years.
Training and time investment is very demanding when training at this level. The injuries have proven to be most difficult to cope. At times, it has been a form of a hurdle, preventing me from pushing myself in practice; however I’m taking care of it through physiotherapy. However, even with the treatments, the fact that I’m training a lot, prolongs the recovery process.
OY: What has been involved in your preparation for the Olympic Games? Leading up to the games what is your typical day like?
JA: Intense high levels training however, as the games get closer the training and practice tend to focus on race rehearsal and race strategy execution. This basically means or includes maintaining a high intensity race regime, and basically like a mock race to allow me to do what I practice and do my best.
Up by 6am, practice from 6:30 am to 8am , then breakfast , then a short nap , then I would do swim lessons teaching kids to swim ( 2 to 3 hrs). Then lunch, an hour and a half of gym/weight room, then afternoon practice 4pm to 6pm, after that stretching and recovery period, then dinner, then bed. Also, diet is important (healthy and energy diet).
OY: Are there any mental tricks you employ not just to train hard but to give it your all on race day?
JA: Race visualization, the first thing I do when I wake up, I close my eyes and I run through the race from walking to pool deck to getting up on the block and swimming the entire race. I should end up touching the wall when the buzzer goes on.
Then I do this visualization after warming up and putting my race suit.
The second thing I do is from the moment I stand behind my starting block , I block out all the other lanes and swimmers that are lined up to the left and right of me which allows me to focus on my lane, my race, and not distracted by others. At the end of the day it comes down to you and your clock and who posts the fastest time.
OY: What keeps you focused/motivated to perform?
JA: My late grandmother (Patricia Charles) who passed in 2010 played a very important role in my days of swimming , keeping me focused and in the pool, when the young me was unfocused and was all about having fun. She kept me at bay.
I can recall a specific point in time around 11 years old, and wanted to quit swimming, however she along with my coaches and parents saw the potential that I had and thankfully guided me the right way by keeping me in swimming.
Swimming has brought me further than I expected and also has allowed me to travel to numerous countries, Russia, Peru, Barcelona , Scotland , etc (and all throughout Caribbean region). Now, I’m at the apex of any athlete sporting career, which is to attend and compete at the Olympics.
OY: What advice do you have for young athletes in your country/region who dream
of becoming professional athletes / being an Olympian?
JA: There are three important things that young St.Lucians and Caribbean people should think about or keep in mind:
1. You must find a way to interlace focus and motivation together, because without focus you can easily lose motivation, vice versa.
2. Do not be afraid to be unique and setting your own path. Since I was young, swimming with a lot of people, a lot quit, but I saw a future in this sport and kept at .
3. Do not be afraid to try a new sport or acquire a new skill. You may find out that you have untapped talent in the sport or skill. Once you find that skill, the sky is the limit, no boundaries and where it can take you.
OY: What changes would you like to see in sports/athletics development in your country/region?
JA: I would like to mention that the appreciation and recognition given to athletes amongst the entire Caribbean has improved over the past 6 years, and also I am excited for this new path. However, there is still groundwork / improvements to be made and with such a talented pool of persons throughout the region. I believe that with more investment from the government towards various sporting local associations, that these resources and opportunities can improve or expand and can lead to the overall betterment of sporting performances of athletes , local , regional and international.
Jordan races in the 50m Freestyle on August 11th at 12pm. We wish this OECS Olympian the best of luck - he certainly has a bright future ahead of him!
