
Q&A with Michael Hixon
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like all types of music, but [during] training hip-hop is definitely preferable. My favorite artist is The Weeknd.
What do you like to watch on TV?
Sons of Anarchy, White Collar and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can play the baritone and rap the entire 16 minutes of The Sugarhill Gang's "Rappers Delight"
What would you be doing if you were not an athlete?
I cannot imagine my life without athletics, but probably putting more focus on school in the same areas. I also think I may have continued with music and played the Baritone.
Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Before every dive I go through my routine which includes spitting into the pool the exact same way.
I have a very precise routine I go through before each dive. I always jump in the water the same way, model my dive, talk to my coach and throw my shammy to the same place before each dive.
What’s your personal motto?
Give nothing to the graveyard.
What is your earliest memory of diving and when did you decide to dedicate your life to it?
When I was probably 4 I remember jumping off 3 meter for the first time. [My mom] has not only been my coach for so many years, but she has been the person I could always talk to about my triumphs and tribulations. She has been undoubtedly the best and most important factor in my diving career. And on one of my first international trips, I roomed with [2012 Olympic bronze medalist] Kristian Ipsen and his influence was a major reason I decided to pursue the sport.
What are some of your hobbies away from the pool?
I like to play golf with either my Indiana University teammates or my father.
Back home, my family takes a lot of hikes and also spends a good deal of time out on our boat waterskiing.
My mom got me into cycling when I was younger, and it has been something I have used for cross training in the past, primarily because I really enjoy it.