Southern Illinoise University Athletics
How one email led freshman Robert Chelberg to SIU
11/07/2018 | 11:20:00 | Swimming & Diving
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Just three months ago, Saluki freshman swimmer Robert Chelberg had never stepped foot in Illinois. He had never even been been to the midwest of the United States. Chelberg, native of the Czech Republic, knew little about Southern Illinois, except that it offered an excellent opportunity for him to fulfill his dream of becoming a collegiate swimmer.
Both of Chelberg's parents are former professional athletes, though most Americans are likely unfamiliar with their sports. His mom, who lives in the Czech Republic, competed in a sport called dressage, a highly skilled and artistic form of riding a horse. His father, who resides in California, competed for the United States national team in show jumping and made it to the 2003 World Cup Finals.
Rather than follow his parent's footsteps into equestrianism, Chelberg developed a passion for swimming, and started competitive swimming at nine years old. By the age of 15, he was a part of the Czech Republic junior national team. The muscular 6-foot-4 swimmer swam competitively in European cities such as Berlin, Vienna and Graz.
Despite a successful prep career where he was a four-time junior national champion in the 50-yard freestyle for the Czech junior national team, he received little interest from colleges.
"I sent a lot of emails to colleges and not many schools responded — luckily SIU did," Chelberg said. "I do not think I was surprised with the lack of recruitment. I think being international had a part with it and I also think I started sending emails out too late."
Head coach Rick Walker was one of the few to respond to Chelberg's emails and the two began to talk about the swim program and university. Chelberg was sold on becoming a Saluki, without even taking an official visit to campus.
"Once I saw him in person, I clearly knew we got a good one," Walker said. "A lot of times in recruiting, you are just gambling. A seasoned gambler knows the odds and when to either hold or fold. So far, I am pleasantly surprised with his ability. When I watch him swim, I am in amazement with how legit he is."
Two meets into his collegiate swimmer career, Chelberg has already impressed coaches and teammates as he currently holds the second fastest 50-free time. Even with the early success, he realizes there is plenty room for improvement.
"Right now, I think my body is getting used to the extra muscle I have gained since arriving here," Chelberg said. "Once my muscles are fully rested, I should realize how much better I can hopefully become."
In his third month on the SIU campus, this is the longest Chelberg has ever stayed in the United States.
"The first week here was intimidating because you are non-stop meeting people, but the thing about Americans is that they are really friendly right off the bat," Chelberg expressed. "In Europe, most people do not initiate conversation and just have a different mentality. But this team of 60 or so people have all been really nice and welcoming."
Nearing the midway point of the season, Chelberg has his eyes set on new personal bests and helping the team win.
"I definitely want to make a mark at conference and score as many points as possible not only for myself but for my team as well."
Both of Chelberg's parents are former professional athletes, though most Americans are likely unfamiliar with their sports. His mom, who lives in the Czech Republic, competed in a sport called dressage, a highly skilled and artistic form of riding a horse. His father, who resides in California, competed for the United States national team in show jumping and made it to the 2003 World Cup Finals.
Rather than follow his parent's footsteps into equestrianism, Chelberg developed a passion for swimming, and started competitive swimming at nine years old. By the age of 15, he was a part of the Czech Republic junior national team. The muscular 6-foot-4 swimmer swam competitively in European cities such as Berlin, Vienna and Graz.
Despite a successful prep career where he was a four-time junior national champion in the 50-yard freestyle for the Czech junior national team, he received little interest from colleges.
"I sent a lot of emails to colleges and not many schools responded — luckily SIU did," Chelberg said. "I do not think I was surprised with the lack of recruitment. I think being international had a part with it and I also think I started sending emails out too late."
"Once I saw him in person, I clearly knew we got a good one" — Rick Walker
Head coach Rick Walker was one of the few to respond to Chelberg's emails and the two began to talk about the swim program and university. Chelberg was sold on becoming a Saluki, without even taking an official visit to campus.
"Once I saw him in person, I clearly knew we got a good one," Walker said. "A lot of times in recruiting, you are just gambling. A seasoned gambler knows the odds and when to either hold or fold. So far, I am pleasantly surprised with his ability. When I watch him swim, I am in amazement with how legit he is."Two meets into his collegiate swimmer career, Chelberg has already impressed coaches and teammates as he currently holds the second fastest 50-free time. Even with the early success, he realizes there is plenty room for improvement.
"Right now, I think my body is getting used to the extra muscle I have gained since arriving here," Chelberg said. "Once my muscles are fully rested, I should realize how much better I can hopefully become."
In his third month on the SIU campus, this is the longest Chelberg has ever stayed in the United States.
"The first week here was intimidating because you are non-stop meeting people, but the thing about Americans is that they are really friendly right off the bat," Chelberg expressed. "In Europe, most people do not initiate conversation and just have a different mentality. But this team of 60 or so people have all been really nice and welcoming."
Nearing the midway point of the season, Chelberg has his eyes set on new personal bests and helping the team win.
"I definitely want to make a mark at conference and score as many points as possible not only for myself but for my team as well."
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