Despite only being a junior, ASU diver Elina Eggers has already accomplished a lot in the diving world. The Swedish-born Olympian has already won 13 gold medals at the Swedish Nationals and made it to the finals on the 10-meter platform at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Last year she placed fourth on the 10-meter platform at the NCAA Championship, was named an All-American and broke a five-year standing 1-meter dual meet record with a score of 339.9 against NAU and New Mexico State.
While Eggers may be known for her diving, she also enjoys shopping, cooking, and school. Eggers is a business major with a 4.0 GPA.
The ASU junior sat down with The State Press to talk about classes, the Beijing Olympics, and diving.
The State Press: How long have you been diving and what got you interested in the sport?
Elina Eggers: I’ve been diving since ’96 and I was watching the Olympics on TV and I just wanted to try it.
SP: You have actually been to the Olympics and made it to the finals. What was that experience like?
EE: It was amazing, such a great experience and it’s really big.
SP: Is that your favorite personal sports experience so far or is there something else that stands out to you?
EE: It’s the Olympics. It’s so big, it’s just so hard to imagine when you’re not there, but once you get there its just like wow, this is big.
SP: When I talked to Riley McCormick earlier in the year he talked about a number of famous people that he met at the Olympics. Did you have the chance to meet or talk with anyone special while you were there?
EE: There are famous people everywhere, but there were a bunch of famous Swedes that are famous for track.
SP: What attracted you to the ASU diving program all the way in over in Sweden?
EE: It’s a good dive team and a good coach and the nice weather.
SP: You like the weather and environment in Arizona. What are your favorite things to do here outside of the pool?
EE: When I don’t dive or study I hang out with my friends and make dinner or go shopping.
SP: What is your favorite thing to cook?
EE: Salads, chicken and barbeque.
SP: Do you have any superstitions or pre-dive rituals before every meet such as a favorite song to listen to?
EE: Usually I don’t listen to music because I just want to be in the environment as it is because when I’m diving it is all quiet.
SP: At the end of last year you were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team. What does it mean to be recognized for academics rather than diving?
EE: That’s pretty cool, I think because we put in a lot of time into diving, but I’m here for school too so I want to perform well in school and in diving.
SP: What’s your favorite class?
EE: Business classes.
SP: Least favorite classes?
EE: When you have to write.
SP: So you don’t like doing what I do?
EE: Pretty much.
SP: Being so successful in school as well as diving, how do you manage your time so that you are able to perform in both aspects?
EE: I have been an athlete my whole life and you just have to work hard and be organized.
Reach the reporter at william.boor@asu.edu
