Just a few years ago, local swimmer Michael Hampel was on the verge of abandoning the sport after failing to make the cut for the U.S. 2016 Olympic Team Trials. He found his passion again and after a long grind, Hampel persevered to qualify for the 2020 trials.
Hampel, now 20, said it was a goal to make it to the trials since he was 12. When he missed the cut for the 100 breaststroke in 2016 by .38 seconds, it was a crushing defeat.
“For me, that was the only goal I had since I was young was to get that cut,” he said. “Once I missed it and there were no more meets to go through before the trials, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to swim any more, let alone still compete. I was pretty distraught.”
With the help of Owensboro Marlins swim coach Vali Preda, Hampel found his way back to competition. Still, even with countless hours of hard work, his times in the event weren’t as fast since missing the cut.
Until Friday, when Hampel finally broke through.
While competing for the Marlins in the state championships, Hampel was just quick enough to make it this time around — his time of 1:03.28 was .01 second ahead of the cut line.
“I was pretty stoked,” Hampel said. “It was a really cool feeling. The past couple years haven’t really gone my way.”
After graduating from Owensboro Catholic High School, Hampel underwent surgery that kept him from competing his entire freshman season at the University of Louisville. Though he recently transferred to Missouri State University, he spent his sophomore campaign at Louisville, but Hampel said he still wasn’t totally happy with the results.
Earning a spot in the trials was finally some validation.
Preda said the atmosphere was wild at the state championships when Hampel was in the water.
“It was crazy,” he said. “All the kids were all cheering and excited. He’s kind of swimming by himself. He doesn’t have anybody to push him and race with, so it’s all about him and the drive he has in order to achieve those times.”
Having no competition isn’t a problem for Hampel, who said he reminds himself daily to maximize his potential.
“I have a lot of intrinsic motivation,” he said. “I have a Post-it Note on my mirror and it says be the best Michael Hampel you can be every day. I’m a very technical guy, in training especially. I try to get the most out of every session that I can.”
Hampel is also trying to qualify for the trials in the 200 breaststroke. He missed the cut on Friday — by .38 seconds, just like his first time around in the 100 — but will try again in December.
Up next for Hampel, though, will be the start of another collegiate season. He’ll be the top swimmer for the Bears after a pair of All-Americans graduated from the team last year. Hampel said he’s hoping to achieve that same level of success.
Hampel said he owes much of his progress and accomplishments to those who’ve helped him over the years, especially Preda.
“It wasn’t just a one-man show,” Hampel said. “It was a collaborative effort from the Marlins and anyone else who had an impact on me. I don’t think the Marlins really understand or can grasp how special Vali really is. I wish I could put it into words but he’s a guy that has never given up on me and a guy that I would go to battle with every day of the week.”
Preda said Hampel has always represented both the Marlins and the city well, and this latest step in the journey is great for everyone involved.
“Michael is very positive, always upbeat and trying to help everybody out,” Preda said. “He’s very mature and knows what he wants. For the Marlins swim team, it’s definitely a big step forward. It’s a great achievement. He’s one of the most successful swimmers that the Marlins and Owensboro ever had.”
