FAIRFAX, Va. - This Out of the Pool features Michael Chestnut who is a native of Fairfax, Va. where he attended W.T. Woodson High School. Chestnut swims in the 500 Free and the 100 and 200 Breaststroke for the Patriots.

GoMason.com: Why did you choose George Mason University?

Chestnut: Proximity to home, quality of the school and the closeness of the team.

GoMason.com: Do you have any pre-meet rituals that you have to do before you swim?

Chestnut: Before a big race that I am nervous for I like to spend some time by myself and listen to music to keep myself calm and focused.

GoMason.com: Who would you say you look up to the most?

Chestnut: My dad, he swam in college and has always been very supportive of my swimming.

GoMason.com: What are your goals for this season?

Chestnut: I would like to score in all three of my events at conference and qualify in the top-eight in the 200 Breast.

GoMason.com: What was your favorite swimming moment from the 2012 London Olympics?

Chestnut: I was most impressed with Nathan Adrian. It had been a while since the U.S. had a sprinter that could win a gold medal and he stepped up.

GoMason.com: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you take with you?

Chestnut: A boat, my swim trunks and lots of food.

GoMason.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Chestnut: Negativity, I hate it when people sell themselves short and I believe in the power of positivity.

GoMason.com: What is something that most people don't know about you?

Chestnut: I can't believe I'm admitting this but I sang in chorus for three years in high school.

GoMason.com: From a swimming stand point, were you team Phelps or Lochte during the Olympics?

Chestnut: I'm a bigger fan of Lochte but I was happy to see Phelps prove everyone that doubted him wrong.

Michael Chestnut's Favorites:

Color: Blue

Ice-cream flavor: Ben and Jerry's Cinnamon Roll

Quote: "If today were perfect there would be no need for tomorrow"

Academic Class: Psychology

TV Shows: Breaking Bad/Entourage

Movie: Pulp Fiction

Food: Mexican style breakfast.