Pullman, Wash. – Vivien Nett earned a bronze medal in the European Junior Open Water Championships this past summer. Nett is one of the newest additions to the Washington State Women's Swim team.
 
We recently had the opportunity to talk to freshman Vivien Nett.
 
How was participating in the Open Water Championships?
It was a good competition; I swam the 10 kilometer, and it was a hard, interesting race. We had all types of weather, there was storm, rain, wind, then the sun would come out and shine. But I really enjoyed it. My finish was particularly good, when I touched the board, I was so close with another girl, and I touched it before her. So I finished third.
 
What does that medal mean to you?
For me, the medal means a lot. I've competed in European championships for four years now, and I always placed fourth or fifth. I really wanted this medal; it felt like first place in a way.
 
What's your favorite part of swimming?
In open water I like that it's always changing, it's never the same. I remember we had practice where we were in open water and it was relaxed, everything was still. Other times there are big waves. In the swimming pool, I just like it.
 
When did you realize you wanted to swim competitively?
I began early, I was one, and my parents brought me to swim practice because we live near central Europe's biggest lake, Balaton. I was a little babe, and they wanted to teach me to swim, not to drown. When I was two years old [I had] my first competition, I think I've always been this competitive. I like races and of course winning.
 
Do you have a favorite memory of swimming?
When I'm with my team it can be a fun thing. Sometimes I just like to go to the swimming pool and just swim. Somehow it just relaxes my brain and relieves the stress.
 
Do you have a swimmer you look up to?
I have Hungarian swimmer, her name is Boglárka Kápás. For me she was always nice and kind. I really like her and would like to be her. The other one is American, Katie Ledecky, she is the queen of freestyle.
 
How have you enjoyed Pullman so far?
I like the campus, it's really a nice, safe place. I got here three weeks ago, so a little bit new everything. But I'm getting used to it and I enjoy it.
 
Why did you choose WSU?
When I talked with the coaches, I felt that connection between us. The other thing was that it's good, both academically and swimming. It's amazing that here the studying and the swimming aren't against each other but for each other.  
 
How has being so far from home been for you?
It was not easy; I really miss my parents. It's hard but we talk every day, so we have this connection still. The team is helpful for me here, they're kind and they help me in everything. They are sweet and so nice.
 
What are you most excited for this season?
I think everything, I'm waiting for the open water race in October. Of course, the season too and the other competitions. So basically, I am ready for the season.
 
What is something you think the Coug fans should know about you?
I really like listening to music, reading, I am a book worm, I like to lay down and watch tv too.
 
Do you have a favorite book series?
I'm a big Percy Jackson fan.
 
What shows do you like?
I don't like horror and thriller, but my favorite ones are comedies and detective movies. I really like to investigate with the inspector and try to search for the killer or the criminal, it's quite exciting.
 
Do you have a favorite mystery movie?
I really like Numbers and Psych, I recently saw the White-Collar series.
 
Do you have a favorite style of swim?
I like free style; I enjoy backstroke, butterfly, and medley too.
 
What has been your biggest motivation?
I would like to go to the Olympic games and win a medal. Of course I'd like the gold one, but if I had any medal in the Olympics, I would be so happy. That's the main thing, academically this degree means a lot to me too.