Jesse Vassallo on 1978 Worlds, Olympic Boycott, and State of Swimming in Puerto Rico

1980, 84 Olympian Jesse Vassallo sat down with Swimming World TV's Brent Rutemiller on Friday at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the renovation project for the Hall of Fame Aquatic Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Vassallo gave a lengthy interview where he talked about how he ended up moving with his family to the United States from Puerto Rico (0:53) and how he started training with the Mission Viejo Nadadores, at the time one of the world's best training sites.

Vassallo also talked about his success at the 1978 Worlds (4:01) that led to him being named the World Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World. He won the 400 IM and 200 back and was second in the 200 IM.

Vassallo was one of the gold medal favorites for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow that the United States boycotted for political reasons. Vassallo talked about how difficult it was to stay motivated (5:41) after finding out about the boycott was going to happen.

Vassallo said what he thinks the Olympics is supposed to be about (7:49) and how the world has changed since the late 1970's.

Vassallo reflected on how he was able to refocus after the 1980 boycott (10:53) and rebound to make the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He talked about the knee reconstruction he went through in 1982.

Vassallo also gave an evaluation of the state of swimming in Puerto Rico (13:18) and how he got involved with the politics of the sport.

Follow us!
Twitter: @swimmingworld
Instagram: @swimmingworldmag