Synchronized swimmer to dive into 2016 Olympics sacrificing school

A potential 2016 Olympian, senior Isabel Malcomson feels chills running up her back. The chatter of the audience permeates the room; eyes bear down on Malcolmson and her team of eight. As the music begins to play, Malcolmson straightens her back. Within moments, she disappears with her team expertly into the depths of the Olympic-sized pool.

Although  life for most high school seniors consists of college applications and senioritis, Malcomson has chosen to give up her normal high school career to pursue her dream of competing as a synchronized swimmer in the 2016 Olympics. 

Malcolmson, who no longer attends SHS, is taking classes online to finish credits and courses she needs to graduate. She will, however, come back for the graduation ceremonies and receive her diploma with her peers.

“I can't fathom into words how much I miss everyone. I haven't even had an opportunity to come back and formally say goodbye to my teachers since I left in September,” she said.

Malcolmson realized that in order to take this life-changing step, she has to sacrifice other parts of her life. She now trains with the United States National team. They work out six hours a day six days a week at their center in Walnut Creek.

“Giving up a normal high school experience was a tough choice and I often found myself feeling overwhelmed by having to make such profound life decisions,” said Malcomson.

To Malcolmson, the change to online schooling was a necessary switch.

“I could go on and on about all the sacrifices I've had to make to be where I am today in my swimming career,” she said. “I knew the switch was bound to happen so I wasn't surprised by my new reality.”

Unlike others who started a sport or extracurricular as young children, Malcomson started synchronized swimming at age 9.

Like any other 9-year-old, Malcolmson saw synchronized swimming as just another extracurricular hobby; she never expected it to bring her to the Olympics.

“It wasn't until I became more competitive and experienced did I start to feel really passionate towards the sport,” she said. 

In her journey to reach the Olympics, Malcolmson underwent many arduous experiences.

“Within a month of training three of our key swimmers had gotten concussions,” Malcolmson said. “The frequency of the injuries was unsettling. Mostly I was also scared for my own safety.”

Yet, her desire to compete in the Olympics kept her going

“Synchro has become my life so everything else is secondary,” she said.