From Forced Swimmer to Olympic Trailblazer: Anthony Nesty's Remarkable Journey to Coaching Success

In an exclusive interview with TODAY.com, Anthony Nesty, the head coach for the U.S. men’s Olympic swimming team for the 2024 Games in Paris, shares his journey from reluctant swimmer to becoming the first Black person to hold a U.S. Olympic swimming head coach position.

Early Beginnings and Triumphs

Nesty's first swim at 5 years old in Suriname, his home country, set the stage for his future success in the sport. Despite his initial reluctance, his early wins at local and regional meets across Suriname, the Caribbean, and South America propelled him towards embracing swimming as his calling. His dedication to the sport culminated in a historic gold medal win in the 100-meter butterfly race at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, making him the first Black male swimmer to achieve individual gold.

Collegiate Achievements and Coaching Career

After his Olympic triumph, Nesty pursued his athletic career at the University of Florida, where he further etched his name in swimming history as a three-time NCAA champion in the 100-yard butterfly from 1990 to 1992. Today, he serves as the head men’s and women’s coach at his alma mater, where he has been honored with multiple SEC Men’s Swim Coach of the Year awards and clinched consecutive wins in 2023 and 2024 for women’s swimming.

Impact and Legacy

Nesty’s profound impact as a prominent Black coach in a predominantly white sport has not gone unnoticed. Embracing the weight of being a role model, he remains committed to being a beacon of inspiration for aspiring swimmers, particularly within the Black community. His historic appointment as head coach holds immense significance, given the complex history of Black individuals in swimming and the prevailing stereotype surrounding their participation in the sport.

Championing Diversity and Excellence

Addressing the underrepresentation of Black swimmers, Nesty emphasizes the crucial link between access to swimming spaces and increased participation within the Black community. He remains dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and diverse swimming landscape, driven by his unwavering commitment to excellence and equity in the sport.

Building a Winning Team for Paris 2024

Prior to the U.S. swimming trials, Nesty articulated his goal of assembling a roster with a strong potential to secure multiple medals at the upcoming Games in Paris. His focus on nurturing and preparing the athletes underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence, both for his team and the sport as a whole.