Hard work brought success into Malin Westman’s life. Through hard work, the junior marketing major and two-time All-SSC First Team swimmer has become a key member of NSU’s swim team.
Two years ago, Westman came to NSU from Harryda, Sweden, where she swam for Misja Klevstig at Kunskapsgymnasiet Gothenburg during high school. She won Female Swimmer of the Year in 2011.
After spending a lot of time trying to decide whether to come to college in the United States or not, Westman gave it a shot and started her freshman season at NSU in 2014.
Westman explained how coming to NSU changed not only her swimming career, but also her life.
How did you start swimming?
“My dad and mom swam when they were young and they became coaches. My older sister swims as well, so swimming has always been in my family. The four of us used to spend hours in the pool. I think I was around four years old when I started swimming and I went to my first meet when I was six years old.”
Did your parents coach you?
“My mom was my coach first, for around seven years. After that my dad coached for me for another seven years. And then after 14 years I got another coach.”
How did you find out about NSU?
“I was really tired of swimming and I didn’t have any motivation to keep practicing when I was in middle school. My mom had a friend who came to college in the U.S. and she recommended that I come. At first, I was not sure about it, but when my high school graduation was approaching I decided that I wanted to try it at least. I was sure I didn’t want to go to a Division I school. My coach back at home knew Holly [the former head swimming coach at NSU], so they talked and then I also contacted her. That’s how I ended up at NSU.”
Do you believe that coming to NSU helped you to improve your swimming?
“Yes, it was a change that helped me. At first I was so scared because I came from another country, I didn’t know anyone and I was afraid I was going to miss home. But it’s been great, one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
You were named All-SSC First Team swimmer your freshman and sophomore years. How did you feel about it?
“I was really honored. During my freshman year I was not sure what the mention consisted of, but then I found out what it actually meant. I did not really expect that for my freshman year, so I felt good.”
What do you consider your most important achievement as a swimmer?
“Oh, that’s a hard one. I think just coming here, getting to change my swimming and finally being happy with my swimming again. When I was in Sweden, the years prior to college I didn’t do bad, I just felt awful about everything I did. I hated practicing and racing. It is so much better now, and last year at Nationals I came in fourth in the 100 meter breast stroke. Last summer I went home and finished fifth at Swedish Nationals in the 100 meter breast stroke too.”
Do you have a favorite swimmer?
“No, I don’t. I like [different things about] each swimmer.”
Have you had any influential coaches in your swimming career?
“Definitely my parents. I would say my mom when I first started swimming, because she is the one who taught me everything. Later my dad became my coach and today I am here because of him.”
What do you enjoy doing during your free time?
“When I am not swimming or studying, I enjoy sleeping. I really like reading romantic novels and crime books.”
