"In a season, you lose focus on the big picture, and maybe your direction," Carswell says. "You're constantly focusing on your spot on the team. The time off gave me a good chance to analyze my life as a whole."
After about a week off, however, Carswell returned to track to train for the indoor season and quickly reclaimed his confidence as well as his prominence.
"I knew I'd come back for the indoor season," he says. "I was more determined than ever to do well. The time off rejuvenated me, more mentally than physically. Sometimes, when you take time away from a sport, you get your competitiveness back."
Once more he broke his own record in the 3,000, this time in the Millrose Games on Feb. 7, with a finish of 7:57.21. Carswell was the first collegian to finish the race, beating out Ryan Wilson, the defending NCAA champion in the 3,000. Carswell's performance automatically qualified him for the NCAAs.
At Heps on Feb. 23, Carswell celebrated his return home by winning the mile and 3,000 and running the anchor leg of the victorious medley relay team. Carswell was on the track four times in the two-day affair, including the mile heat.
At the NCAAs, Carswell broke his Harvard record once more in the 3,000. His third-place finish was his best at the national championships. He earned repeat honors as an indoor All-American.
Carswell followed up his indoor season--his best season ever across the board--with a solid outdoor campaign. He earned second team All-Ivy honors in the 5,000 at Penn on May 10, his eighth straight Heps win.
"It is impossible to enjoy myself while I'm training every day," he admits. "[But practice] is obviously what it takes to win and be successful."
Carswell's future running plans are uncertain.
"My training hasn't gone very well in the last couple of months, and it's put a damper on my summer plans," Carswell says. "It's uncertain as to where or if I'm going to be competing."
Even if he does not realize his dream of basking in Olympic glory, Carswell has already solidified his place in the hearts and memories of Harvard track fans