World University Games Silver Medalist Asia Seidt Announces Retirement

Photo Courtesy: Connor Trimble

Kentucky graduate Asia Seidt announced her retirement from the sport of swimming on Wednesday, 52 weeks before next year’s Olympic Trials that were pushed back a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seidt, the reigning US national champion in the 200 backstroke, was an outside shot at making the Olympic Team in 2020 as she was ranked seventh in the United States in the 200 backstroke in 2019.

Last year, she was the silver medalist in the 200 backstroke at the World University Games with a 2:08.56, finishing 1-2 with fellow American Lisa Bratton.

“I would say my biggest moment in swimming was getting a silver medal for the USA at 2019 WUGs,” Seidt told Swimming World.

Asia Seidt, originally out of Louisville, Kentucky, and the Lakeside Swim Team, swam collegiately for the University of Kentucky, where she was a three-time SEC Champion in the 200 backstroke, and made eight A-Finals at the NCAA Championships. She did not get a chance to close out her career at NCAAs in 2020 as the meet was cancelled, but she was a favorite in both backstroke events, as well as the 200 IM.

Seidt was seeded third in the 200 back, fifth in the 100 back, and sixth in the 200 IM at NCAAs, as Kentucky was seeded to finish ninth based off the psych sheet alone.

“The past couple of months, I have been talking with my grad program (going into Physical Therapy at UK) to see if swimming is a feasible option. Unfortunately, we all decided the demanding schedule of athletics wouldn’t work with my classes,” Asia Seidt said. “There is still so much uncertainty in the world so it is easier for me to walk away knowing there is still a possibility the Olympics may not happen.”

Seidt had helped the Wildcats finished third at SECs three times, and was also the Elite 90 Award Winner in 2019 as the student athlete with the highest cumulative GPA competing at the NCAA Championships.

She was also the Boyd McWhorter Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2020 and was the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2019.

2019 national champion Asia Seidt. Photo Courtesy: Connor Trimble

Asia Seidt wrote on social media:

“It is impossible for me to say everything I want in one post, but I’m going to give it a try. Today I have officially decided to retire from competitive swimming.

“Looking back at the past 14 years, I have been able to accomplish more than I ever dreamed of in this sport and can walk away knowing I gave it everything I had. Thank you to my coaches and teammates, both past and present, for shaping me into the person I am today.

“Thank you to my family and friends for constantly supporting my goals and having my back through it all. Even though my career was cut short, my heart will forever be happy knowing that swimming will always be a part of me and who I am.”

On the short course yards all-time list, Asia Seidt ranks 10th in the 200 backstroke (1:48.65), 18th in the 200 IM (1:53.04), and 24th in the 100 backstroke (50.68)

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Jill Burckle

3 years ago

Asia you’re a true Champion !
We are so proud of all your success through the years!
You have everything it takes to achieve whatever your goals are. You have “IT”! Congratulations Asia!

Trudy York Miller

3 years ago

Reply to Jill Burckle

I second that.

Chris Curl

3 years ago

Congrats! It was so much fun to follow you as a Seahawk, Valkyrie and Wildcat. Welcome to the next part of your life journey.