"I was tired putting off life"-Nic Fink opens up on his journey of managing a full-time engineering job and qualifying for Paris Olympics 2024

Nic Fink, the 100-meter breaststroke pole finisher at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, shared that he got tired of putting off life at a certain point. Since 21, Fink has earned a master's degree, built a house, sold a house, changed cities, got married and expecting a baby, but he has learned to navigate and find a 'swim life balance' with the passing years.

Fink has qualified for the Paris Olympics after posting 59.08s in the men's 100m breaststroke at the 2024 US Olympic Trials. His first finish at the Trials will see him head to the Games as the medal favorite and a captain of the men's swim team.

In a recent interview, Nic Fink talked about how he was tired of putting off life since he was pursuing an engineering degree and balancing a swimming career at the age of 21.

"I was just at the point where I was kind of tired of putting off life, I guess, if that makes sense, since 21. I got a master's degree, moved to two different cities, bought a house, sold a house, got engaged, got married, expecting a baby," Fink said.

"So it seems like a lot, actually, when I say it out loud right now. But, you know, you kind of get taught to go with the flow and be very flexible in the sport. And I think one of those lessons is how I've kind of still been able to succeed in the pool, even with everything going on," he added. (via Team USA Instagram)

Fink holds the world record in the 4x50m mixed medley relay and the 4x100m medley relay. The breaststroke specialist is a six-time World Champion gold medalist in his forte and came fifth in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Fink missed the final podium by a fraction, clocking 2:07.93.

Nic Fink says he doesn't "feel old"

Nic Fink is heading to the Olympics at 31 years old, balancing a nine-to-five job at Quanta Utility Engineering Services from his home in Dallas. In an interview, he talked about sharing the pool with the young swimmers, some of whom will go to college soon. However, that doesn't make him feel old but funny.

"I really don’t feel old, but it’s funny, because we’ll all have meals together as a team, and I’ll sit down and realize there’s a bunch of people who are going through the recruiting process for college," said the 31-year-old. (via NBC News)

At this age, Fink feels content with the results since he put his best foot forward throughout his career. Any medals and accomplishments will be 'like icing on the cake', as he said to NBC.