Louisville Sprinter Nikita Sheremet Chasing New Goals As Profile Rises on International Scene
On his fifth 50-yard freestyle of the meet, Nikita Sheremet began to feel it.
The Louisville star was putting on a show during his first College Swimming League meet, the effort further establishing his identity in the sport. His 19.0 leadoff split on the 200 freestyle relay was among the fastest in the country. And his sprints during the Skins event had been incredibly impressive.
Just one 50 away from victory, every muscle in Sheremet’s body seemed to be working against him. His legs shook. His arms felt numb.
“It was hard to even pull myself out of the pool,” he said. “I was just trying to stand up and breathe.”
Physically, speed shouldn’t have been possible. Nevertheless, the sprinter delivered. His hand slammed into the wall in 20.53, enabling Sherement to earn the Skins victory. It was time to celebrate – at least until the next five 50s he would have to race.
Sheremet competed in 10 50 freestyles at the inaugural meet of the College Swimming League, those outings spread between the individual Skins, an individual 50 free, a 200 freestyle relay and the Super Skins. Of those races, all 10 produced victories for the sophomore. His coach, Arthur Albiero, credited the success to Sheremet’s mindset.
“Everything about the Skins races, especially, comes down to your state of mind,” Albiero said. “And we knew Nikita had the toughness to be able to execute.”
The sprinter’s start to the season has been incredibly impressive. Currently, he ranks third in the NCAA ranks in the 50 free (18.79) and sits seventh in the 100 free (42.70). He hopes the early momentum will carry forward, ultimately to the NCAA Championships in March.
“It’s been great to have the chance to swim the 50 so many times,” Sheremet said with a chuckle. “I’m excited about the times, and where I’m at.”
Building on a Strong Summer
Sheremet’s achievements early in the college season have hardly been a surprise. He put together an eye-opening summer long-course season, going 21.13 to capture the gold medal in the 50 freestyle at the European Championships. That time ranks Sheremet as the No. 7 performer in history. It’s a result that he believes stemmed from a heavy focus on areas of his race outside of his stroke – underwaters, starts, and turns.
“I would practice doing 4-6 kicks off the wall while sprinting, and do progressions for my start, working on the first 15 meters of the race,” he said. “It’s really translated to the 50.”
Watching Sheremet’s 50 freestyle from last year’s NCAAs, the difference in power on the start is obvious. The sprinter took his first stroke behind the entire field during that 50 just months ago, and yet he began his race alongside some of the country’s best during the October 9 College Swimming League meet.
While technique improvements were certainly a big accomplishment for Sheremet, the feat he is most proud of was his ability to capture his first European title in the summer.
“I think it was the fastest European Championships of all-time, and that’s something that motivated me the whole time I was in Paris,” he said. “I was saying, ‘If I can win at the fastest Euros ever, I can be one of the fastest in the world right now.'”
Sheremet’s ability to perform captured what his coach signified as one of his biggest strengths: Handling pressure.
“He’s always keeping things simple,” Albiero said. “It’s all about his ability to execute at a high level, even under duress.”
Representing Ukraine
En route to his European crown, Sheremet set a Ukrainian record, beating a record previously held by Vladyslav Bukhov, a former world champion. Bukhov raced alongside Sheremet in the final, placing fifth, and is someone the Louisville standout points to as an influence.
“He motivated me, so that we could race together,” Sheremet said. “Since he was the previous record holder, I’ve always been chasing his level.”
Both swimmers were proud to represent Ukraine during difficult times for the country. War continues to rage on with Russia, affecting many families, including Sheremet’s. His mother currently lives in Poland, while his father and other family members remain in Ukraine.
“It’s hard, and I’ve only been staying with my mom, with my father remaining in Ukraine,” he said. “There was 100% a desire to show the world, Ukraine isn’t done yet. We have so much swimming talent.”
It’s a message he spread to the Ukrainian team.
“We talked about showing up, being yourself, and racing to have fun,” he said. “And also, trying to make some unbelievable things happen.”
Sheremet was fueled by the support he received from home. His parents reached out after races, encouraging him throughout the journey.
“My mother has tried to go to every meet, even the ones in Paris, and my father will watch every race at like (4 a.m.), due to the time zone difference,” he said.
The sprinter emphasized he was more driven toward success, knowing his loved ones were cheering him on.
“It’s so motivating to know you’re not alone in this,” he said. “They’ve probably helped me win a lot of races.”
Seeking Greater Goals
Sheremet’s success this season has certainly been encouraging. But the Louisville star has already set his sights on bigger goals. He pointed to making the top five in the 50 free at NCAAs, and reaching the championship final in the 100 free. Both are accomplishments he believes are attainable, due to his trust in Albiero’s program.
“I’ve seen so much progression since last year,” he said. “And so much of that is the sets themselves being so progressive. Everything builds on itself.”
With a trusted training system in place, Sheremet continues to work toward his long-term goal, racing- at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“The only goal for my life has been Olympic gold,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about it every morning; it just brings so much motivation.”
Two years from the Games, there’s plenty of time for the sprinter to work toward those dreams. And as he continues to pursue them, one thing is guaranteed: he’ll have the support of his family.
“We do this together,” he said. “I’m so appreciative that they continue to work with me.”