People I (Mostly) Admire EXTRA: Using Data to Win Gold
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Oct 5, 2024 
Kate Douglass, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer and data scientist, shares her unique journey combining athletics and academics. She discusses the underwhelming reality of the Olympics compared to childhood dreams and the mental strategies she used to win gold in the 200m breaststroke. Kate dives into how mathematical modeling and data analysis enhance swimming techniques, revealing insights into performance improvement. She also reflects on the challenges athletes face post-competition, including identity shifts and exploring opportunities in data science.
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Underwhelming Olympics
- Kate Douglass dreamt of Olympic success since childhood, but her second Olympic experience was underwhelming.
- The Paris Olympics felt like just another swim meet, despite the large crowds and arena.
Olympic Village Accommodations
- The Olympic Village beds were made of cardboard, and the mattresses were uncomfortable.
- Team USA provided mattress toppers and air conditioning to improve the athletes' living conditions.
Pre-Race Routine
- Kate Douglass typically arrives at the pool two hours before a 9 p.m. race to stretch and warm up.
- Her warm-up routine takes about 30-35 minutes, followed by changing into her racing suit and staying warm.