Lance Johnson represents Elmbrook Swim Club and Arrowhead at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Qualifiers

Lance Johnson received an Olympic farewell from his swimming club.

“I’m a little biased when it comes to Elmbrook,” Lance Johnson said. “You know, I definitely think we’re doing something really good here. You know, coach Brent Boock is a phenomenal coach. Years of experience. You know, but other than that? You know, this swim club in Wisconsin has really produced a lot of talented swimmers over the last few years.”

We first learned that this former champion had this goal when he swam at Arrowhead. Johnson finished the 200 individual medley right on the deadline.

“The whole NCAA season, going into this June, was just about making the trials, being able to swim in the meet. That was the most important thing for me,” Johnson said. “And you know when I made it? Originally, I thought I didn’t make it. It was frustrating because it was the last opportunity. It was two days before the cut period, so you couldn’t win anymore. I look at Brent and he says, why are you upset? And I say, because I didn’t make it. And he says, no, you made it! And then I started jumping around. I started freaking out and stuff. And it was just the best feeling ever.”

As a swimmer in the Badger State, he is proud of the state and his sport.

“Wisconsin is, you know, the place to be when it comes to swimming,” Johnson said. “You know, we’re not just the cold state. Everyone thinks we’re the cheese state. I think swimming is going to be one of the things that we’re represented with for the long haul, the future, so to speak.”

And he will never forget swimming at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Fifty years from now? I’ll pretend I did that. And I think that’ll just be the coolest thing ever,” Johnson said. “I just want to remember it and be able to tell people. I think it would be a really cool story. You know, to tell my kids when I’m older, and hopefully they’ll take that on.”

Lance Johnson just finished his freshman year swimming at the University of Kentucky. He is transferring to Alabama but will remain in the SEC.