Momentum is an odd phenomenon in sports that is not quite measurable, but its effects are undeniable. It can cause undertalented teams to overachieve or bring an already dominant athlete to legendary status.
Heading into the Southeastern Conference tournament in College Station, Texas on Feb. 9, LSU senior swimmer Craig Hamilton has momentum on his side.
In his last three competitions against the University of Kentucky, Southern Methodist University and Texas A&M, Hamilton posted season bests in the mile against the Wildcats (15:11.87) and again in the 1000-yard freestyle against the Aggies (9:20.89).
These times all came in a stretch that saw Hamilton compile five first-place finishes, which came in the form of two in the 500-yard freestyle and one in the 400-yard medley relay, 1000-yard freestyle and mile freestyle.
“I’m definitely feeling confident,” Hamilton said. “I know I’m going to go [to the SEC championships] and I know I’m going to perform.”
Hamilton is hoping to perform well enough at the championships to earn a berth in the NCAA competition, which starts March 13 in Indianapolis, Ind.
Hamilton said his target events for NCAA qualification are the mile, the 800-yard freestyle relay, the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle. This may seem like a tall order, but LSU swimming coach Dave Geyer credits Hamilton’s ambitious attitude as a reason for the swimmer’s success.
“He’s been pretty goal-oriented and focused throughout the season,” Geyer said. “He should be fast enough to get us to NCAAs, and then we’ll go from there.”
All season long, the LSU swimming team has had its eye on the conference tournament, and Geyer said Hamilton is a perfect example of a swimmer reaching peak performance at the right time.
“He understands how the season progresses,” Geyer said. “We’re not going to sacrifice a dual meet performance for what we want to accomplish at SEC and NCAA.”
Hamilton said his trust in his coach has created a stable environment for him to focus on winning events in a remarkably consistent fashion.
Being a senior, this is Hamilton’s final chance to compete at the SEC tournament, but he and Geyer have even loftier goals than qualifying for the NCAA championships.
“There’s definitely some emotion tied to it, but he and I have spoken and we’re going to try and extend his career past the NCAA level,” Geyer said.
Hamilton, an Edinburgh, Scotland native, said the ultimate goal is to represent Great Britain in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“This summer will be a huge summer for me,” said Hamilton. “I’m trying to make the World University Games in Britain and, if all goes to plan, I’m trying to make the world championship team.”
