Croatian resort city a medal winner
Born in Lake Forest, Ill., to Dutch parents, 6-foot-8inch Matt Grevers swam for Northwestern University and went on to win gold medals at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). Though Grevers, 31, didn’t qualify to compete at the Rio Olympics this summer, the Tucson, Ariz., resident remains one of America’s most respected swimmers. An edited version of our conversation follows. Many athletes say they had no time to sightsee. Did you get a chance to tour Beijing or London?
I did. In Beijing, I stayed after the Games and went to the Great Wall with my parents. In London, I stayed after as well, explored Hyde Park and then traveled to the Netherlands with [wife] Annie to see my Dutch family. Where have you traveled to that had the best waters for recreational swimming?
Most recently, Team USA had a training camp before 2015 Worlds in Opatija, Croatia. It’s a scenic resort town off the beautiful Adriatic Sea. That was nice water to take a dip in. What is your favorite vacation destination?
Hawaii. For a first-time visitor there, what would you recommend that they do during their stay?
Lay on the beach at night, staring at the stars and listening to the waves crash in. What untapped destination should people know about?
Opatija, Croatia. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it … or not so much?
To Florida, and I loved it! I liked the warm weather in the winter. I didn’t understand why we lived in a place that got so cold in the winters after going to Florida in December! What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from traveling?
Be flexible. There will always be issues. Go with the flow. Where is the most romantic destination?
Cruising through the Mediterranean. Annie and I took a cruise for our honeymoon from Barcelona
Qto Mallorca to Catalonia, Sicily, Pompeii and Savona. The balcony off of our room was magical. What are your five favorite cities?
Chicago, Tucson, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
Greece. When you go away, what are some of your musthave items?
Computer, Kindle, headphones. What is your best vacation memory?
Traveling back in time walking through the ancient city of Pompeii with Annie. For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.