Karl Krug

Biography

The Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games were Karl Krug’s first major international meet after he won the 50m freestyle at the 2015 Canadian Trials just six weeks after he became eligible to represent Canada. He won a silver medal as part of the 4x100m freestyle relay team. A few weeks later he made his FINA World Championship debut, competing individually in the 50m freestyle and making it to the final of the 4x100m freestyle relay. Krug’s previous career highlight had been winning the 50m freestyle at the 2013 U.S. Open. Krug competed at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, making it to the semifinals of the 50m freestyle, despite competing with two herniated discs in his back. During his collegiate career at Auburn University, Krug was a nine-time All-American and helped the Tigers win four SEC Championships as well as the 2009 NCAA title.

PERSONAL

Family: Parents Karl and Susan Krug… Older brother Harry… Younger sister Kristina… His father was born in Calgary and adopted at six weeks old by an American family… Grew up in Yucaipa, California but decided to race for Canada to bring himself closer to his father’s heritage… Getting into the Sport: Started swimming in safety lessons when he was 2… At his first meet he swam freestyle in the 50m butterfly… Loves the pressure of racing in the 50m freestyle… Outside Interests: Graduated from Auburn University in 2012 with a degree in political science and sociology… Enjoys watching TV and finding new places to eat and explore… Is also a competitive ax thrower… Works as a coach for Swim Atlanta and would like to become a professional or college coach… Odds and Ends: Favourite quote: “There is no luck in life, just preparation meeting opportunity”… Gets a new pair of shoes to wear for every meet… Biggest influence has been Gary Hall Jr. for always being on top of his mental game for his races… Nickname: Krug Smash…

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

Pan American Games: 2015 – SILVER (4x100m freestyle relay), 11^th (50m freestyle)

FINA World Championships: 2015 – 8^th (4x100m freestyle relay), 33^rd (50m freestyle)