Backtalk: Senior swimmer discusses career at Ohio, future goals

Ashley Marion and the rest of the swimming and diving team wrapped up the regular season with four straight dual meet wins. The senior from London, Ontario, chatted with The Post's Robert Doll.

The Post: Did you grow up and spend most of your life in Canada?

Ashley Marion: I did. My entire life before college. I chose to come to Ohio because I wanted to pursue my swimming career and the state is just a better environment. The reason I picked Ohio is because I love the team

and I love the environment and what coach Greg (Werner) was offering me was what I wanted.

Post: Is the swimming culture any different
there than America?

Marion: Swimming here is more intense. I think we're more involved into our swimmers whereas in Canada

they are more laid back. I think as a university

they're more into their academics than we are here as into our athletics.

Post: When did you first realize you wanted to be a swimmer?

Marion: I would say when I was around 10 I had to choose between swimming and figure skating

and I decided to go with swimming. (I started swimming) when I was nine. Most people start a lot younger

like four or five

but I just started doing lessons

and I enjoyed doing lessons. So

my mom put me in competitive swimming

and I officially started competing when I was nine.

Post: What is your major and what would your dream job be after college?

Marion: Sports Management. I'm looking to get into the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and just really travel. Hopefully stay in the sports aspect. I would mainly want to work with the Olympics