Meet Carrie Johnson, Olympic Athlete and Animal Lover

Carrie Johnson is one of the many athletes that will be competing for Team USA in the 2012 Olympic Games. Unlike other Olympians though, Johnson has been forced to face a different sort of challenge not rooted in sport. In 2003, the kayaker was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease while rehabilitating her elbow. But Johnson did not let her condition slow her down; she learned to manage the disease, and, after making her first Olympics in 2004, is now going to compete in her third (and final) Games since her diagnosis.

Along with being an Olympic competitor, Johnson is also a dedicated animal lover. After the London Games, Johnson plans to attend veterinary school at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, heading straight from London to the classroom. As she continues her incredible life journey, we had the chance to talk with Johnson about her family's pets, her devotion to animals, and her decision to head to vet school.

1. What kind of pets do you have?

My family has two dogs - Molly a 10-year-old Boxer and Cinder a 9-year-old Lab mix. Growing up my family had all kinds of animals; guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, rabbits, birds and fish!

2. Tell us one of your fondest memories of your pets.

When I was young my family had a Boxer named Popeye. He was very good-natured and tolerant of my two sisters and me playing with him. He loved being with people. At Halloween, we use to dress him in Superman long underwear with his tail sticking out of the fly.

I also just love that when I come home to my parent’s house the dogs greet me with so much enthusiasm each time. It is awesome that they are always so excited to see me.

3. What inspired you to make the decision to head to vet school? Is there one over-arching force that drives your love of animals?

I have loved animals since I was a child. There is not one particular aspect I can pinpoint; I have just always loved being around animals. I started volunteering at Cutting Edge K9 Rehab – a swimming/underwater treadmill rehabilitation facility for dogs and then began volunteering at a local small animal veterinary clinic and a specialty hospital. I really enjoyed working with the animals and found that veterinary medicine was something I was as passionate about as Olympic training and competition.

4. At the end of this week, you will be competing on the world's biggest stage. What challenges do you face in the upcoming Games? How do they compare to the challenges you'll face as you continue your schooling?

Once I get to the games, I will have completed my training and preparation and I will need to be mentally prepared when I sit on the start line. I will have to stay calm and relaxed and focus on what I need to do to execute my best race.

I believe that in many respects school will be very similar to the Olympic training I have done. The school program will be a four year period like the Olympic quad. It will require the dedication and hard work that I had to put into training.  School and real life veterinary situations will require the same calm approach and mental focus as elite level racing.

5. If your pet could compete in any Olympic sport, what would it be?

Molly and Cinder would be swimmers. They both enjoy swimming and fetching their toys in a pool or in the bay near my parent’s house.