This year’s FINA World Championships is not Mallory Comerford’s first rodeo. The well-decorated swimmer has already won nine world championship medals—which is the eighth-most by a U.S. female swimmer in history—solely via her performances on American relay teams. This year, however, Comerford shared how she has switched up her training and integrated a focus on mindset into her preparations. 

Comerford will be competing at this year’s world championships as a part of the 4x100-meter freestyle relay team and is excited about the opportunity. For the world champion, there is “nothing that compares” to being able to get to work alongside teammates for a common goal. 

The former University of Louisville Cardinal has a deep appreciation for her college program and the support system that she has been able to build through them. During the thick of COVID-19, postgrads were not allowed to train with the team. Being able to train with them again now that the program’s restrictions were lifted has made her realize how special being in that environment is. 

“I went from pretty much doing a lot of mid-distance work to doing only sprint work and I have really enjoyed how it has given me a mental refresh which is the biggest thing I needed,” Comerford said. By varying her preparation for Worlds, it has also given the swimmer a new outlook on the sport. “It [her training] has also stimulated my body in a way that was needed, and I think that’s just really helped me throughout this year and has made me excited about swimming again.”  

Balance has been essential to Comerford’s success. The swimmer loves strength training and credits her early days of playing other sports such as soccer, softball, volleyball and track to her success as an athlete today. For her, balance also means taking care of her mind.  

“If you aren’t enjoying your life, you are not going to swim fast,” she said.  

Comerford is currently a mentor for RISE Athletes, a program that allows athletes to be mentored by coaches on the power of mindset.  

“It has been awesome to be able to give back to the sport that has given me so much,” she said of her time with RISE Athletes.  

Even though the program is designed for the younger athletes, Comerford feels as though she is getting a lot out of the experience as well. She notes how mentorship is something that she wishes she had as a young athlete. Even as the mentor, Comerford does many of the mindset exercises that she assigns her mentees, having found them to be effective in her training. 

Previously, Comerford came into Worlds as one of the youngest on the team. Now, she is excited to pass on her wisdom to some of the younger athletes she will be working with. Getting to know the new talent has been one of her favorite parts of this year.  

“It’s just been a really fun year,” she said. “It has reminded me why I swim and why I love to swim and being able to go to Worlds is the cherry on top.”