Tom Bullock

Hometown and Current residence: Fort Smith, Arkansas

Family:  Kathleen (spouse) Heidi (6) Sammy (4) Eliza (3) Summer (1)

Swimming background:  A Long Time! Our family was a swimming family, all 3 of us competed and our dad was our club Coach for the Fort Smith Tideriders. I was able to swim in college for two great coaches first at Missouri State before transferring to Oklahoma Baptist University.

Favorite event/race: 200 Backstroke

Swimming hero: I grew up in the Thorpe, Phelps, Lochte era and respect how they changed the sport. However, Anthony Ervin is my favorite swimming hero because of his free spirit and love of the water.  

Future swimming goals: Keep swimming until I can’t! I love to swim outside so one goal is to attend as many outdoor meets in new / historic pools across the country. It is a goal of mine to also qualify and someday attend the Ice Swimming World Championships.

Advice to new swimmers: Never stop! This is one of the few sports you can continue doing as you age! Also, if you want advice or coaching, utilize your resources. Real coaches will always find time to help you get better. 

Other hobbies or interests? Anything outdoors. I love to travel with my family as stressful as it may be. I am a big adrenaline junkie and love to ski, wakeboard, surf, and longboard. I am also an avid firearms enthusiast and enjoy assembling and modifying various weapons. 

Favorite workout: I enjoy creating sets based off of what event I want to target. One of my go to sets for IM is: 8×50 @ 50 Sec + 100 Easy @ 3:00   2 fly 2 back 2 breast 2 free (1st 50 smooth, 2nd 50 faster than 1st by 2-3 sec). Modify the interval if necessary.  Repeat as many times as you desire. 

Did/do you participate in other sports: Absolutely! I could not sit still as a child. I participated in basketball, soccer, and baseball as well as cross country and track. My wife and I went through a half-marathon phase and also participated and completed the 2015 Chicago Marathon. I love sports and enjoy watching almost anything.

Where do you currently swim?  Creekmore pool is home sweet home to me. There is nothing better than a morning swim at Creekmore pool and watching the sun rise.