Chase Kalisz, American Record Holder, Taking Redshirt to Train for Olympics

Photo Courtesy: Catherine Ladd

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

Chase Kalisz, an American record holder and NCAA titlist for the Georgia Bulldogs, will be taking a year off from the collegiate scene as his redshirt for next year became official today.

Georgia head coach Jack Bauerle confirmed to Swimming World today that the move is official, although it has been in discussion since Kalisz initially committed to become a Georgia Bulldog.

The only major shift to all of the planning had been Kalisz’s club coach Bob Bowman of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club now transitioning into his new responsibilities as the head coach at Arizona State.

Bowman told Swimming World today that Kalisz would join him back in Baltimore until he and the rest of the crew that will be moving to Tempe with him make the move later this summer following long course season.

The only NBAC swimmer also locked in publicly to join Bowman is superstar Michael Phelps. Many others have made their final decisions on the move, but are keeping quiet at this point in time.

Kalisz is seen as the future of the 400-meter IM for Team USA, and should enjoy some time being able to focus solely on long course training as he witnessed his two-year reign over the men’s 400-yard IM at NCAAs come to a close with Texas’ Will Licon picking up an upset victory this last March.

In 2013-14, Kalisz was named USA Swimming’s Breakout Performer of the Year after winning silver in the 400-meter IM at the 2013 World Championships, and he’s looking for gold next year at the Rio Olympics. He will need that singular focus if he plans on knocking off the likes of Swimming World‘s World Swimmer of the Year Kosuke Hagino.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

1 Comment

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

superfan

8 years ago

Train for Olympic TRIALS. No guarantees for anybody in this country