ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The repetitious splash-splash-splash sound broke the stillness of the chlorine scented air in the early morning hour.
The water of the Mt. Vernon Community Pool in Alexandria, Virginia separates as 1st Lt. Sarah Brehm glides to pool's edge, all the while calculating how to launch sooner, how to kick smoother, or how to shave another tenth of a second off her already fast time. She reviews all points of the daily routine of a swimming champion, an activity she has done every day since she was eight years old.
"I try to maintain a constant level of training. Usually five to seven times a week in the pool, a four to five mile run two days a week, and some strength training in between," said Lieutenant Brehm, a C-21 pilot with the 457th Airlift Squadron. "We fly all the generals in the Air Force, many leaders from the Army and Marine Corps, and Admirals in the Navy. Also, we transport a lot of Congressmen and other national leaders." Lieutenant Brehm continued, "I love it! It is the world's best job! It's only my first year here, but I have had a great time all the way. Already I have gotten to see the whole world."
One of the places Lieutenant Brehm has been is Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands for the 2007 Allied Air Component Command HQ Swimming Championships last month.
Athletes from the Allied National Air Forces of the United States, Holland, England, Belgium, and Germany all competed in individual and team events for both men and women. "Facing tremendous athletes from all these countries really brings out your A-game," said Lieutenant Brehm. "Those Germans are tough! Even though all the competitors were in their air forces, the Germans have mandatory service, so they got to draw on the talent of all their national swimmers."
The actual competition took place at the Netherlands National Swim Center. Complete with opening ceremonies, a parade of athletes and flags, and national anthems, the competition saw three separate records fall - all by the U.S. women's team, including the 400 meter freestyle relay, which Lieutenant Brehm anchored.
"My specialty is the butterfly stroke. I also raced to second place in the 50 meter butterfly and swam the butterfly leg of the winning 200 meter medley relay," said Lieutenant Brehm.
Overall, the U.S. women's team took first place and the U.S. men's team gained a strong second place overall. The men's team finish especially pleased Lieutenant Brehm, because her new husband, Paul, helped lead it.
"We met in college swimming," said Lieutenant Brehm, with the happy smile of a newlywed. "At the pool was about the only time we could see each other with our class work and military responsibilities."
Lieutenant Brehm is a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy where she was a four year varsity letter winner in the sport. Additionally, she is a nationally ranked swimmer and was a six time high school individual state champion in her hometown of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Voted team captain and most inspirational swimmer, achieving great things as an athlete and Air Force officer is nothing new. In the second quarter of 2007, she was awarded her squadron's Company Grade Officer. "In addition to being a top notch athlete, she is also a fabulous young officer," said Lt. Col. John Steele, 457th Airlift Squadron commander. "We are happy to support her and are proud of her accomplishments."
"If you put in the time and effort, everyone can compete," said Lieutenant Brehm confidently. "Swimming is a wonderful workout, great exercise, and provides an opportunity to do your best."
Lieutenant Brehm continues to swim competitively, now preparing for the sprint events to be held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia next month. You can find her working out most mornings from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 with the Alexandria (City) Masters Swim Club when she is not traveling with the squadron.
Lieutenant Brehm's advice for those who want to swim competitively is to "Get into a good routine; get a good night's sleep; workout whenever you have free-time; practice swimming every day; and eat a healthy diet - no fast food!
But above all, commit to your dream, be motivated by others on your team, and never give up. Perseverance can be everything."