Rachel Komisarz Baugh has never been a fan of the water. She’s always feared the ocean because she felt like the undercurrent could pull her down.
When Baugh was young and taking swim lessons, one instance traumatized her. She doesn’t remember when or what exactly happened, but she couldn’t make it to the side of the pool and as Baugh was just inches away from the ledge, yet struggling to stay afloat, a lifeguard jumped in and grabbed her.
Now, even after claiming two Olympic medals by swimming in the 4x200 medley relay in the 2004 Athens Olympics, Baugh still feels the same way about water.