Natalie Coughlin back to athletes

Natalie Coughlin is currently the face of O’Neill 365 and truly embodies the spirit of the brand. She is a swimmer, surfer, organic gardener, 12-time Olympic medalist, and the most decorated female swimmer in World Championships history (18 medals). Natalie has captured an Olympic medal in every event she’s entered, and is just two medals shy of becoming the most metaled American female athlete in history. We’ll all be rooting for her in the 2012 London Games! With appearances on the Today Show and Dancing with the Stars, among others, Natalie is a star in and out of the water. She also does 50% of her training outside the pool and lives in athletic apparel, making her a perfect fit for O’Neill 365.

Starting with Fall 2012, Natalie will be collaborating with the O’Neill 365 design team on a signature collection, O’Neill 365 by Natalie Coughlin.

What is your area of expertise?
Swimming.

What are your personal, professional and health goals for the next year?
Training for the London Olympic Games.

How and when did you get interested in fitness?
My parents always wanted me to be active. I did gymnastics, volleyball and swimming when I was younger and was much better at swimming than any other sport.

Do you have any hobbies?
Gardening, cooking and photography.

What are you most proud of?
My consistency in my sport.

What inspires you?
The fact that I’m a professional athlete is motivation enough. I get to workout and take care of my body for a living!

When you’re feeling unmotivated, how do you motivate yourself?
Remind myself that most of my friends have office jobs while I get to swim outdoors year-round.

How do you prioritize and incorporate exercise and healthy eating habits into a busy lifestyle?
It’s important to start the day off right. Start with a workout and a healthy meal… your choices throughout the day will reflect how you started that day.

How many days a week do you exercise and for how long?
My routine includes swimming, running, lifting weights, Pilates and a power circuit.  I train anywhere from 2-6 hours a day, six days a week.

What music is on your playlist?
Pretty good mix of stuff. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of 90′s rock.

Favorite workout when you don’t have a lot of time?
Either a “loosen-up” easy swim or a quick, high-heartrate lift.

What does your diet consist of?
I eat organically, seasonally and locally whenever possible. I grow a lot of my own food and shop at the Farmer’s market once a week.

Biggest Fear?
Spiders, Yuck