Richard Funk puts the Funk in Funky Trunks

Canadian Richard Funk wears his Top Bloke Classic Trunks at training base, University of Michigan Pool

Aside from his selection on multiple Canadian national teams, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Pan Pacific Games and 2015 FINA World Championships team, there is one obvious reason why Richard Funk is sponsored by Funky Trunks. Funk is regularly asked, "What came first, you or the brand?" which he likes, considering he wears Funky Trunks every day.

"People call me Funk more than anything. It's almost weird when people call me Richard," he says with a laugh.

The latest addition to the F-Team helped his collegiate swimming team, the Wolverines to their 2013 NCAA title and was named an All-American three times. After finishing collage Funk now trains with the pro team at the University. The Funk graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and plans to enrol in medical school, but that's after his swimming career is complete. For now he is focused on his dream to swim at the Olympics for Canada, which is driving him to train harder than he ever has through the cold Michigan winter. We caught up with the F-Teamer to find out what it's like being the Funk.

Breaststroker Funk ready to race in his Acid Rain Classic Trunks

How did you get into swimming?

My older sister started when she was young, and I just wanted to be like her I think. I needed something to do in the summer when the ice melted in Canada!

You were born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, when did you move to the US and why?

I've been based in Michigan for the past four years now, after being recruited to swim at the University of Michigan. It was absolutely a move for my swimming career.

The Funk training indoors in his Colour Card Trunks while it's -11 degrees outside

We don't know much about training when it's snowing outside, how is it being a swimmer in such a cold climate?
I've never been in a climate where we've been able to train outdoors, the water would freeze. The worst part about it is waking up at 5 in the morning and having to scrape all the ice and snow off the car before driving to workout. Either that, or having your hair instantly freeze when you walk outside after training.

Do you have any mentors or swimmers you look up to?

I've always looked up to great Canadian swimmers like Ryan Cochrane and Martha McCabe. I have so much respect for athletes like that who have been around for so long at the top of their game. I've also looked up to Cameron Van Der Burgh for some time, and developing a friendship with him over the last few summers at meets like the Commonwealth Games, Mare Nostrum and World Championships has been awesome for me.

Funk has his eyes set on Rio this year

What are your early swimming memories?

I remember my first swim race ever was a 25 freestyle at a 10 and under meet. I didn't know what I was doing really, so I got to the wall and touched with two hands because I heard a coach tell another swimmer they had to do that in the race before me. Only they were doing breaststroke. Afterwards when I found out I did something wrong I cried.

How are you feeling in an Olympic year?

I feel confident so far. I did my in-season best times a few weeks ago in Seattle, so I'm in a good place personally. Representing Canada at the highest level of our sport would be a dream come true for myself, and I'm ecstatic that I'm in a good position to do so.

Funk poses poolside in his Hail Storm Briefs

What is the process of qualification for you?

Our Olympic Trials are in Toronto in April and I either have to come first or second in the 100 or 200 breast, and go under the FINA A standard times, which are slower than my best times. So basically if I do best times, and win at our trials I'll go to Rio.

What is your current training regime?

I train with Club Wolverine in Ann Arbor, which is the pro team associated with the University of Michigan, which I just graduated from in April. Because we train with the current college team, I'm lucky to have about 40 training partners to grind alongside everyday. It's a great location, with numerous Olympians, World Champions, and some of my very best friends in the world there with me. I only wish we could relax at the beach on the weekends!

This story plus more are featured in the latest edition of SwimStyle