September 23rd 2023.
Anthony Nesty, the first Black male swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal in 1988, has been selected by USA Swimming to lead the men's swim team at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Nesty has been working with some of America's top swimmers, such as Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, and Bobby Finke, as the head swim coach at the University of Florida.
In 2022, Nesty made history again by becoming the first Black coach to lead a U.S. team at the World Championships. Under his and fellow coach Todd DeSorbo's leadership, the U.S. brought home a record 45 medals at those world championships. USA Swimming's National Team Managing Director Lindsay Mintenko expressed her excitement for the duo's new role, saying, “I am thrilled Coaches DeSorbo and Nesty will be joining us in Paris and am looking forward to the experience and leadership they will bring to the Games.”
Nesty is also aware of the gravity of his position in a sport that needs to diversify. In an interview with the Associated Press, he said, “You know you’re a role model. You have to take that very seriously. Maybe it’s why I work so hard at what I do. I try to be the best Anthony Nesty I can be.” He believes that his success is due to luck, talent, and God-given ability.
The larger swimming world, including the Britain-based Black Swimming Association, is thrilled to see Nesty's appointment. Seren Jones, the founder of the Black Swimming Association, told the AP, “I remember the first time I saw a Black official at a meet. I actually started crying. That reaction surprised me a bit, but there is such a starvation of role models for Black swimmers. I never had one.”
Nesty's appointment is an inspiring moment for the world of swimming and a sign of hope for the future. With his leadership and the success of 82 and 77-year old Black female swimmers at the National Senior Games, it's clear that anything is possible in the world of swimming.
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