Steve West has been a world-class American breaststroker and surfer for three decades.
At the age of 39, the Huntington Beach, California native and CEO of Project Insight, recently became the oldest American male to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. In this conversation with Swimming World Magazine, he talks about how he trains and about the potential of older athletes in the water.
His enthusiasm for swimming, surfing and the open water are infectious; his balanced lifestyle is inspirational; and his blazing speed is incredible.
Like many swimmers, West is resourceful, innovative and passionate – about maximizing his potential while finding time to spend in the water. In order to be able to train for the Olympics, he utilized his time-management skills developed over the years through the balance of double workouts and school. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he co-founded a successful custom software development firm that allowed him the flexibility to maximum his land-based and aquatic talents.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.