Israel Poppe, affectionately known as “Izzy”, dove into the spotlight today in the Men’s 200m Medley. Fully composed, Poppe emerged from the pool and entered the interview area exuding a cool, calm, and collected demeanor—a stark contrast to the high-intensity race he had just conquered. Tackling the grueling six-lap event, with each lap showcasing a different stroke, Poppe delivered an impressive performance, finishing in 2:11:02 and effortlessly slicing three seconds off his qualifying time.
His response to his swim “I feel pretty tired. My legs are hurting, feel kinda numb, but that’s what you expect when you race.” Even more impressively, this is Poppe’s first time swimming this event on the world stage. Accustomed to the familiar waters and racers of his hometown in Guam, the young swimmer approached the unknown with a refreshing mix of humility and confidence. “I didn’t really know what to expect because I’ve never raced this [event] in a big meet, only at home, so I’m pretty happy with that…”
He added, “It’s nice to race more people my age and who are faster; I get to see my competition and what I want to do.” Poppe’s love for swimming is undeniable, radiating through his words. Having started as a young boy inspired by his siblings, he was seemingly destined for the sport. “I love it. It’s fun! All my siblings swam before me, so I just wanted to be like them,” he shared with a smile. Reflecting on his unexpected journey, he continued, “It’s pretty amazing. I didn’t expect to swim this long. I thought I’d swim until I was maybe 12 years old, but I’m enjoying it.”
Now 18 years old, Poppe doesn’t seem phased by the world stage, embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and gratitude. “It’s amazing, I love it. Getting to see a whole stand of people and racing in such a nice pool—it’s like the best pool in the world right there.” His infectious joy and determination to have fun is a testament to his bright future in the sport.
Poppe couldn’t forget about his fellow islanders, giving them this simple advice “stay relaxed, keep warm and stay stretched out.” So, what’s next for this bright swimmer’s future? “Training, of course. I’m looking forward to graduating high school and swimming in college. My plan is to stay in training and stay in shape.”
With his cool composure, love for the sport, and a 3-second improvement on his time, Poppe is ready to dive back in and make waves in the Men’s 50m Freestyle later this week.