Vili Sivec is ready to take on the 2024 post season competition. The 6-foot sophomore from Croatia is looking to make some noise after a historic winter campaign. Sivec recently became the fastest Croatian to ever swim the 200m Butterfly with a time of 1:58.09 at the Big Al Invitational. 

In the latest edition of CSUB Athletics' Getting to Know, Sivec discusses his decision about declining to represent his home country in the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha next month and his transition from Croatia to Bakersfield.



How did you get started in swimming?

I started swimming when I was six. My dad knew the coach back home and the coach saw me, and he said, 'you should try swimming'. I tried it and at first, I didn't like it at all. But then I kept it going because I began to get better at it.

Can you take us through what training in the pool is like?

I would say training is hard. I think people don't actually realize how swimming actually is difficult. Every possible muscle is working in your body. It's really hard. 

Who inspires you to be your best?

Probably [Coach] Chris Hansen because I don't really have a role model but having him by my side, pushing me every day during practice is something I didn't have back in Croatia. I really appreciate it. 

After having a successful freshman season, what expectations do you have at the MPSF Championships?

I don't really have any expectations. I just like to train hard and be the best that I can be. Hopefully all that hard work is going to pay off.

How difficult was your decision on not competing at the World Championships this year?

It really wasn't that difficult. I spent a lot of time talking to Chris Hansen and because it would have taken a lot of time from school which would have been at least three weeks plus at the exact time we were going to have our conference meet which is very important to me. Also my teammates, because without them and without their support none of my results would be possible. When I step on the block and I hear them screaming my name it's an amazing feeling and I wouldn't do that to them.  

What is your favorite event in the pool?

I have to go with the 200m fly. I recently broke the national record in the event. 

How much did it mean to you to get a national record in the 200-meter butterfly?

It meant a lot. Since I was a kid, I wanted to be on a record board. All those national records low-key didn't mean a lot because I always knew that I wanted to be the fastest one ever and since this past summer was pretty good and I got very close to the record the only goal that I had in mind for the mid-season meet [Princeton] was to break that record. When I saw that I actually broke it, it was an amazing feeling. It was one of the best feelings I ever felt in my life. 

With it being the Olympic year, what goals do you have set in 2024?

I am looking forward to swimming fast. Hopefully, Croatia makes as good of a decision as it gets, and they send the best swimmers. I may not be one of them, but I am just focused on swimming fast right now and making sure that mentally I am happy and everything else is going well. 

Out of all the competitions you have participated in, which place is your favorite? 

I would probably say our mid-season meet in New Jersey. I always thought about it with my family and friends and if anyone asked me what my favorite moment during my freshman year, I would say the meet. Last year, it was one of my best and I really love the pool and I like that we always shave and taper for it. 

How was the transition for you coming from Croatia to Bakersfield?

It is a big difference. When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to come here because I wanted to keep on swimming. When I emailed CSUB thankfully, they emailed me back and we started to talk. After that, we talked a lot more and I came here. The start of my freshman year was kind of hard, but I got used to it and thankfully with the help of my friends and family and all the teammates here it became good. 

How has Bakersfield and Coach Chris help you develop as an athlete?

A lot. Coach Chris is the best coach since I started swimming.

What do you enjoy the most about being on the team?

Just being around the teammates and around friends here because they are my biggest support. When I hear them screaming my name behind the block it just means the world to me. 

What is the culture like being on the swim and dive team at Cal State Bakersfield?

It is more like a brotherhood. We have a really good connection with each other. I really like all the men; I see them as my brothers. All the female swimmers I see them as my sisters just because we are that close. Us being that close, it feels even better because everyone else swims faster. It makes the team atmosphere more enjoyable. 

If you were to tell your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

To be calmer and not to take all things so seriously. When I was younger, I took things seriously. And now looking back at it wasn't that deep especially at that age.

Is there any piece of advice you could tell someone who is trying to get to this level?

I would just say to work and be proud of yourself and the work you are putting in, and you are going to go really far.