Brendan Hansen Fan Q&A!

What better way to kick off the News Blog than with a Fan Q&A. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions, but most especially to Brendan for answering ALL of them so quickly. Y'all enjoy and leave a comment or two.

Questions from Michelle in Madison, AL

When and where is your next competition?
My next competition is Spring nationals in April and I am not sure where they are yet but it's the selection meet for Worlds that summer which I would really like to be at. So I get another shot at the Japanese breastroker.

Do you have any pets? Are you a cat or a dog person?
I have a dog, his name is jack and he is a black lab (2 years old). I like all animals but if I had to choose I would say I am a dog person.

Questions from Sarah in Cambridge, UK

Yo Brendan - What type of girls do you go for?
They have to be funny and be up for anything. Never liked the girly girls. Oh, and No drama queens please.

Did you hang out with any of the British swimmers in Athens?
No

Questions from Janine in San Francisco

Congratulations on all your accomplishments Brendan! Your motivation and determination are really inspiring. I enjoyed watching you in Athens and I'll be rooting for you at Worlds from across the country in San Francisco. Good luck with everything and please keep us updated!

Do you hang out often with Aaron and Ian? What are some things you guys like to do when you have free time away from the pool? Any crazy stories you can share?
Yeah, Ian and Aaron and I hang out a lot. Austin, TX is a great place and there is always something going on. We go see live music, or we go to the lake or go camping. I can tell you that there are crazy stories but that wouldn't be fair to Ian and Aaron..haha

What advice/encouragement would you give to a college senior who is struggling to find what career path is right for her?
All I can say is do something that you are excited about and not something you are content with or else you will be miserable. Do something that challenges you and you can make goals for cause its easy then to stay focused.

What are three things you can't live without? (or: If your house was burning down, and you only had one minute to grab what you can, what would you get?)
Hmmmmmmm....tough question. I would have to say there is nothing in my house right now that I couldn't live without. It's your typical college apartment. I would grab my medals for sure though.

Do you have any special rituals you do right before you swim a race?
I always reach down, move the water around with my hand and put some water in my mouth then spit it out. I'm not sure why, I just have always done it.

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Even now I have my goggles fall off all the time. It sucks when it happens and you'd think I would learn.

What do you like to watch on TV?
I like the Discovery Channel but most of the time I watch sports and network tv shows like the OC and That 70's show.

Do you think you personally can change the sport of swimming?
I sure hope so. I think with the guys we have on the team now we can definitely make swimming more popular. I think we have even after the olympics.

Who are some people you look up to and why?
My family because they support me through everything and are the most amazing people I know. They care more about others than they do themselves. You don't see that much these days.

What are your worst fears?
I am fearless.....hahah. Seriously, not a big spider fan.

Since it's going to be that time of the year again soon, I was wondering, do you have a favorite Halloween costume that you've worn or a favorite Halloween memory? How old were you?
I was a naked guy in a barrel once. I just wore a wooden barrel around the party. the only thing is it sucked when I had to go to the bathroom, other than that everyone thought it was great.

Do you still believe in Santa Claus?
Nope but my mom will still give me presents that say from Santa on them.

From Maria in South Carolina

I would like to know what you would think if the swimming competitions would have to "go to the video" to decide who actually won the event? Case in point, the Olympics where the Japanese swimmer did the illegal dolphin kick and the judge didn't catch it but it was seen on video after the race. They do this in football I think. Anyway, would you support such a thing or do you think that the sport should remain a 'judgment call'?
Lets go to video. I am a big fan of it.

Have you ever cramped up while in the middle of the pool?
Nope, not in competition.

What do you think about the cameras being almost 2 inches from your face/rear?? I know they (cameramen) do that with everybody but still......has it ever gotten on your nerves and have you ever felt like pushing them into the pool or something??
I just always block them out and sometimes when I do see them I get fired up. Cause you feel important and you feel like the more people watching you the more excited you get for a race.

Questions from Nelle in New Jersey

First of all congrats to you on your olympic medals.
One question: What kind of music do you listen to and do you play any instruments?
I have tried in the past to play instruments but I can't for the life of me. But I like all kinds of music. Seriously, everything.

Questions from a true fan, Stephanie in Ossining, New York

hey brendan,
my name is stephanie and i just wanted to let u know how awesome u are. recently i have been trying to get back into swimming and if it wasn't for you and a few other USA swimmers i would have gaven up already. You guys truly motivate me you all inspire me in your own ways. Also ive been having alot of family problems lately and watching you all swim just makes me feel soo better!!my question for you is how was the olympic experience and what can we expect in the future from you? thanks alot hope all is well.
The olympic experience is an amazing experience. When you are actually there you don't feel like you are at the olympics. Its kinda weird. It just feels like another meet. But when you come home everyone has been watching you and all the sudden everyone is congratulating you and its just weird that everyone knows you. I think the only difference for me between the olympics and another meet is the medals mean so much more and a lot more people in the US watch. Other than that its just another day at the office.

Questions from Lena in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Swimming has gotten increasingly competitive in the past 15-20 years and sometimes the training can be overwhelming. Are there times when you resent having devoted all this time to swimming? Do you feel like it might take time out of other things you wanted to do? And finally, do you still enjoy it like the first day?
I still love it like the first day but there are days when you really don't want be there and it's tough to get through the workout. But you have to have a good balance in your life between swimming and other things. If you don't have that balance then you are going to have trouble when the training gets tough. Make sure you do other things than just swimming. Its important to your success.

Question from Greenie

My question is what great swimmer of the past would you have loved to race against? Any distance, any stroke.
I would love to swim against Mark Spitz because I know he was good in his time, but I don't think he can compete with us now.

Question from Luci, Single and Legal

Hey Brendan! My name is Luci and I'm a really big fan of yours! I was just wondering if you had a girlfriend.
hahah I am currently single. I am so busy right now that I can't find time to have a relationship. Or at least that is my excuse.

Question from Teri in New Jersey

Terrell Owens: Philadelphia Eagles savior or Antichrist?
You know what I like about TO he may talk a lot but the man backs it up every Sunday. Savior, he gives McNabb confidence.

Question from the Queen of the Universe and All that She Surveys (aka Laura in New Orleans)

Hello Brendan,
If you could have the Queer Eye for the Straight Guy team make over one aspect of your life, what would it be and why?
I have never seen the show so I have no idea what I would change.

Question from Erin in Missouri

Brendan,
Congratulations on your Olympic Medals! How did you first get involved in swimming? What is some advice you'd give to young swimmers? Thank you so much!
I swam on a summer league team and really enjoyed it. My parents got me involved because they just wanted me to know how to swim. I think the best advice you can give a young swimmer is to never limit yourself. Always believe in yourself and not to be very serious about swimming til you get older because you don't want to burn out at a young age.

Questions from Allison in North Carolina

Congratulations on winning gold in all the Breaststroke events and for receiving the Most Outstanding Male Swimmer Award!

Yes or No, Have you ever/Has it ever happened to you? (If yes, how long ago?)

1.Suddenly stopped swimming in the middle of a race because you got too tired? No

2. Swimsuit fell down when diving into a pool? Yes, when I was 12. Good old paper suits.

3. Thrown up in a pool right after or while you were swimming? Nope

4.Played a practical joke on someone or/and has someone played one on you during a swim practice? If yes, what was the best one?
Yes put Vaseline or ben gay in someone's suits. You will get a facial reaction that lasts a lifetime.

5. Had sex in a pool? haha no comment

6. Started accidentally swimming the wrong stroke in a meet? Yeah when I was 7 I didn't know the difference between backstroke or breastroke so my parents would be on the side of the pool and they would act out the stroke so I would know before the start. The things parents will do.

7. Kicked someone accidentally in the lane next to you while swimming? No, but I did a turn once and came up in the wrong lane.

8. What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you while swimming? Came up in the wrong lane.

9.What is the happiest and most proud moment of your swimming areer so far?
Trials when I broke the WR and made the Olympic team

10. I would like to know if you are a Christian? Also, if you are voting this year, who are you voting for Bush or Kerry?
I am catholic and I don't know yet who to vote for I have to listen to both goofballs talk more I guess.

Favorites:

1. TV Show? THAT 70's SHOW
2. CD? MIXES
3. Group/Singer? DONT HAVE ONE
4. Book? LANCE ARMSTRONG BOOKS
5. Movie? GOONIES
6. Hottest female celebrity? MANDY MOORE OOOOHHH DAMN

Questions from Dana in Miamisburg, Ohio

1) How do swimmers decide which stroke to specialize in, and how did you end up with the breatstroke. I mean I know some of it is natural ability, but it's gotta be more than that.
I think its a natural ability and whatever stroke you like to do the most that you choose to specialize in.

2) Saw you at FINA (great job!) and thought The Rings tattoo looks great on your shoulder. When and where did you get it, who went with you and how much did it hurt?
I got them in Greece and I went with Scott Usher the other breastroker.

Question from Liz Widger in Scranton, PA

Hi Brendan,
Congratulations on your medals; it was awesome to see you do so well at the games. I was wondering what were your favorite childhood toys?
I like BB guns....but be careful YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!! Other than that I played with everything but never video games, I liked doing things outside.

Questions from Olacynth Davis, Charlottesville, VA (home of our beloved Ed Moses) and James Madison University love you!

Hey Brendan!
First of all, congrats on your accomplishments at the Olympics and Worlds. It's been a joy watching you and the rest of team USA. So now that you've graduated college, what is it that you plan to do when swimming is over?
Get a job.

How do you feel about the "alleged" illegal dolphin kick by Kitajima at the Olympics?
I think they need to go to video.

What was it like to take your college teammates with you on the trek to Athens?
Like traveling with brothers.

What really went down behind the scenes and out of the pool in Athens? Hahah, wouldn't you like to know.

What's it like to stand on the Olympics medal podium and listen to the national anthem play, and why doesn't anyone ever sing along?
You are so damn nervous but it's a pretty amazing feeling.

What's one sport, other than swimming, that you wish you were Olympic caliber in?
Baseball. I used to play and I loved it.

Questions from Crackinup from the OG

What's your favorite beer and your favorite bar?
I like all beer and my favorite bar in Austin is Pete's Piano Bar.

When you talk to yourself before you get on the blocks, what are you saying?
I wonder what I will have for dinner tonight. hahah No, I usually say "Lets get fired up!"

During the Olympics, the media portrayed you and Aaron as being best friends. True or a media spin?
No, he is like a brother I would do anything for my bro, and as you saw he would do anything for me. I think he was more mad at the dolphin kick than I was.

Do you typically watch your races on video after they're over? If so, what if anything do you learn from watching them?
I do, I look at how many strokes I take but mostly my body position in the water.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I want to go to a tropical island. Never been.

What's your most memorable race, throughout your entire swimming career?
The races at trials breaking the WR's.

What's your ideal Saturday night?
Having nothing planned but waking up the next day saying that was the most fun I ever had.

How do you think sponsorships have changed the landscape of competitive swimming? How (if at all) has it affected your career, aside from the obvious financial impact?
I think we are getting a lot more support and it is making swimming a lot more popular.

Do you ever go online and spy on what people are saying about you on message boards, websites, and such? Ok, of course you do or you wouldn't have found this site, so what's your reaction to it all?
I wish I had that kind of time, but I am too busy. I wouldn't mind hearing what they have to say.

After going through the effort to shave and wear high tech racing suits during major competition, why do you leave that little tuft of hair out the back of your swim cap? I mean, in theory, doesn't this also add drag? Or is the shaving more psychological to you? Incidentally, I've noticed that Aaron does this too, and it always makes me chuckle.
We like our fros haha. I agree with you but I not big on shaving my head.

Question from Amy in Indiana

Why do you swish the pool water/drink the pool water before a race?
I don't drink the water but it calms me down that water is cold I have to get used to it before I dive in. Same theory as you putting your foot in the bathtub before you hop right in.

Question from Suzanne

I was working for The Today Show in Athens, and met Brendan when he came on the show. My question isn't too creative but here it is: Brendan, I'm sure swimming at the Olympics in Athens was an incredible experience, BUT...what was your favorite part of being there other then the actual races? (and you don't have to say hanging out with me or coming on the show haha) Thanks!
HAHA. Hey Suzanne. Yeah the parties afterwards were pretty crazy. Something I will never forget.

Questions from Haintso

Hello Brendan,
I have a 2 quick question to ask you. How do you concentrate before you race? I seemed to get a bit distracted before i race which causes me to be super nervous.
I find something that relaxes me and I do it, its always going to be different. Could be talking to my teammates or floating around in the water. Water has a very calming affect to it.

My second question is what is the hardest breastroke set you have done?
I have never had a easy one. I always push myself as hard as I can.

Questions from Christy McConnell

First, congratulations for sweeping the breaststroke at the SC Worlds. That's an awesome accomplishment.. also a huge congratulations on the awesome victory and world record in the 4x100 IM. Ya just killed it, sick, awesome. When is the next national/international swim ompetition for you? Another quick one, Ian Crocker said that he would give his right arm to science if he could meet Bob Dylan" ...who would you like to meet dead or alive...?

Thanks!
Hopefully World champs next summer in Montreal. I don't think I need to meet anyone that bad. Bob Dylan is Ian's role model, mine is my parents and I talk to them everyday.

Questions from Ashley Hammer in Utah

I used to swim in high school, but can't anymore because of back problems. I love your attitude, and how you appreciate your fans. I am 21 years old, and I was wondering if you knew if they are going to be showing anymore swimming events on TV. This past 5 days has been so much fun. Your excitement is contagious. Another thing, how do we go about getting an autographed picture?
I think that it will be a while when it comes to watching swimming on TV. If you want me to send a picture just look on the Texas website for my address then send me a envelope with postage and I will do the rest.

Comment from Karissa in Chicago

Dear Brendan,
Thank you so much for taking a picture with my daughter you made her day. Way to go on all of your wins! THANK YOU!
Thank you!

Questions from Melissa in Austin, TX

Hello, Brendan, from a fellow Longhorn and Austinite. What are your plans for the next year and what club will you be training with?
UT

I heard you bought a house- will you be staying here with us here in Austin?
Yeah, I love this place.

Ever thought of adding a burnt orange longhorn tattoo to accompany that brand spankin' new rings tattoo?
I have the horns on my hip but only a handful of people have seen it.

And, if you're a football fan, do you think the Texas Football team will
ever be able win the big one (like Swimming & Diving has been able to do so often)?
Nope, they talk a big game but never deliver.

Questions from Orable in Chicago

Have you ever pee'd in the pool? Could you pee in Kitajima's lane next time you race?
I think every swimmer does. And now that wouldn't be good sportsmanship. haha.

Question from Lexi in NYC

You have incredible starts, which are great to watch live but always come out even more incredible in pictures. What do you concentrate on to get a good start Also, have you ever noticed in pics that you tend to look really pissed off at the water during a start?
Haha that's just me getting into the zone. Focus is key before the start.

Question from "Christina"

Hi Brendan,
A popular internet game is Marry, Shag or Cliff - the object is that from each list of three you have to Marry one, Shag one and throw the last over a cliff. In a recent game one of the groups was the Texas Trio. Very few people could decide between the 3 of you. So if you were playing the game, what would your answers be and why?

1. Brendan Hansen Cliff, I know all his deep secrets haha
2. Aaron Peirsol Cliff, because if I am going so is that punk
3. Ian Crocker Cliff, it wouldn't be right if he didn't follow

     I dont think I played right hahaah