Earlier this year the American Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Week, Elizabeth Cook led Tulane’s 188-112 dual-meet victories over North Texas State.
Toward the end of last year, Cook began having significant health issues. As a result, Cook’s doctor prescribed her medication banned by the NCAA. Cook had to stop competing towards the end of the season and didn’t think she would be able to compete at the conference meet. Days before the conference meet, Cook found out that she would be competing and that it was her last conference meet. “Normally you taper for about a month before a meet,” Cook said. “I only got to taper for three days, which is called a drop taper.” Her winning the best time over North Texas was a great accomplishment for Cook.
Cook grew up in Texarkana, Texas on a Christmas tree farm. In 7th grade, Cook went through a transitional period where …show more content…
It’s been challenging for Cook to make it as far as she has. Swimming requires good work ethics, due to the delayed gratification.
“You have to work nine months, for a minute long race and hope you get best time,” Cook explains. “It’s like a job, and sometimes you just want to quit.”
Currently, she practices twice a day every day for a total of twenty hours a week. In addition, the swimming team has had multiple coaches and weight trainers throughout Cook’s time at Tulane. It’s been hard for her to adapt to all of the staff changes.
With three months left of her career as a swimmer, Cook is excited to build a new identity for herself. For many years Cook has identified herself as an athlete; a swimmer, it was just who she was. Cook will be graduating with a double major in communications and psychology. She plans on taking a year off school after she graduates, and then maybe she’ll apply for law school. Cook explained that she hates working out, and after she graduates she plans on stay far away from the water for a
Toward the end of last year, Cook began having significant health issues. As a result, Cook’s doctor prescribed her medication banned by the NCAA. Cook had to stop competing towards the end of the season and didn’t think she would be able to compete at the conference meet. Days before the conference meet, Cook found out that she would be competing and that it was her last conference meet. “Normally you taper for about a month before a meet,” Cook said. “I only got to taper for three days, which is called a drop taper.” Her winning the best time over North Texas was a great accomplishment for Cook.
Cook grew up in Texarkana, Texas on a Christmas tree farm. In 7th grade, Cook went through a transitional period where …show more content…
It’s been challenging for Cook to make it as far as she has. Swimming requires good work ethics, due to the delayed gratification.
“You have to work nine months, for a minute long race and hope you get best time,” Cook explains. “It’s like a job, and sometimes you just want to quit.”
Currently, she practices twice a day every day for a total of twenty hours a week. In addition, the swimming team has had multiple coaches and weight trainers throughout Cook’s time at Tulane. It’s been hard for her to adapt to all of the staff changes.
With three months left of her career as a swimmer, Cook is excited to build a new identity for herself. For many years Cook has identified herself as an athlete; a swimmer, it was just who she was. Cook will be graduating with a double major in communications and psychology. She plans on taking a year off school after she graduates, and then maybe she’ll apply for law school. Cook explained that she hates working out, and after she graduates she plans on stay far away from the water for a