Anthony Nesty, the head men’s swimming coach for the U.S. Olympic team for the 2024 games in Paris, initially only began swimming because his father made him. Despite not enjoying the sport at first, Nesty excelled in swimming, particularly in the butterfly stroke. He won a gold medal for Suriname in the 100-meter butterfly at the 1988 Olympics, becoming the first black male swimmer to win individual gold. Nesty later swam at the University of Florida, where he became a three-time NCAA champion.
Nesty is now the head coach for both the men’s and women’s swim teams at his alma mater and has received numerous coaching awards. As a prominent black coach in primarily white sport, Nesty takes his role as a role model seriously and works hard at what he does. He acknowledges the complicated history of black people and swimming in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of access to swimming spaces.
Nesty’s father played a key role in his swimming journey, providing him with support and encouragement. Nesty’s goal as head coach of the U.S. Olympic team is to build a roster that has a legitimate shot at winning medals. He credits his father for his success and believes he would be proud to see how far his son has come in the sport of swimming.
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