Olympian and GA alumna Katrina Radke ’89 returned to Germantown Academy’s pool on June 7, 2012 to discuss her Olympic story, health journey, and new book, “Be Your Best Without the Stress,” with the GA Community.

“When I come back to Germantown Academy, it’s like coming home,” the former GA swimming standout told The Ambler Gazette. “I have always felt like I can be myself, and I was always able to feel like I was part of a family here. I love coming back here. I want to be in a position where I can inspire other people to go after their dreams, but take care of themselves in the process.”

Radke swam for the United States for seven years. Her accomplishments include four international gold medals, an American record, international records, serving as a USA co-captain, and winning a national championship. She competed in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea before attending the University of California Berkeley where she also broke school records.

In the years to follow, Radke started to feel the effects of Mononucleosis and Chronic Fatigue syndrome, which she had been swimming through for years, and finally, in 1993, she made the tough decision to stop participating in the activity that consumed her life. In those non-swimming years, Radke was bed-ridden and unable to do any physical activity at times, but amazingly, 12 years after she hung up her goggles, she courageously came back to the sport she loved and competed in the 2004 Olympic Trials where she earned times that placed her in the world rankings again. Since then, Radke has competed in Master Meets and broken three world records along the way.

“It’s awesome that she came back [to GA],” Boys and Girls’ Varsity Swim Coach Dick Shoulberg 1760 told The Ambler Gazette. “She was part of our national championships, but more importantly, she’s a good friend. She is a magnificent woman. I am really proud of her accomplishments, especially her academic ones. I am really happy with the academic success that GA athletes have achieved through swimming.” 

Radke, who holds a BA from UC Berkeley and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University, and her husband Ross Gerry, run WeCoach4u.Com, a peak potential business where they help folks achieve their dreams. Radke also teaches online psychology courses at Foothill College.

“Love what you do, have passion for what you do, and stay committed to your dreams, no matter what area it’s in,” Radke told The Ambler Gazette. “You don’t have to be in a sport to have an Olympic moment. It could be in academics or music or art, it doesn’t matter. We are all going to have ups and downs, but the more you stay committed, the more you can do. You will surprise yourself with what is possible.”