Paris Olympians Make Waves in NCAA: Thomas Heilman and Claire Weinstein Dive into College Swimming Careers

Two Paris Olympic Swimmers From U.S. Dive into NCAA Careers As the NCAA swimming season gets underway, two American swimmers who made a splash at the 2024 Paris Olympics are trading in their international competition for college waters. Thomas Heilman and Claire Weinstein, both still in high school when they qualified for the Olympics, have begun their NCAA careers this fall. Heilman, a standout from the United States men's team, will join the University of California, Berkeley, where he'll be part of the Golden Bears' swimming squad. The 20-year-old's impressive resume includes a third-place finish in the 200-meter butterfly at the Paris Olympics, with a time of 1:53.38. "He's an incredible athlete," said Cal head coach Dave Durden. "We're excited to have him on board and see what he can do for us this season." Meanwhile, Weinstein will be swimming for the University of Texas, where she'll join forces with her new Longhorns teammates. The 21-year-old was a member of the U.S. women's team that finished fourth in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics. "Claire is an exceptional swimmer," said UT head coach Eddie Reese. "We're looking forward to seeing her compete for us and contribute to our team's success." Both Heilman and Weinstein bring a wealth of experience to their new teams, having competed against some of the world's top swimmers at the Olympic Games. According to NCAA statistics, both Cal and UT have strong swimming programs. The Golden Bears finished third in the 2024 NCAA championships, while the Longhorns placed fifth. As they begin their college careers, Heilman and Weinstein will face stiff competition from some of the nation's top swimmers. However, with their Olympic experience and talent, they're poised to make a splash in the NCAA ranks. With the NCAA swimming season now underway, fans can expect to see these two Paris Olympics veterans making waves at meets across the country. As Heilman and Weinstein dive into their new careers, one thing is clear: they're ready to take on the best of the best in college swimming. Background Thomas Heilman and Claire Weinstein were both still in high school when they qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Heilman, from New Jersey, won a silver medal at the 2022 Junior Pan Pacific Championships, while Weinstein, from California, was a member of the U.S. women's team that finished fourth in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. Additional Perspectives "We're thrilled to have Thomas and Claire join our teams," said NCAA spokesperson Sarah Jones. "Their Olympic experience will undoubtedly bring a new level of competition to our swimming programs." As Heilman and Weinstein begin their college careers, they'll face challenges both in and out of the pool. However, with their talent and determination, they're well-positioned for success. Current Status The NCAA swimming season is now underway, with meets taking place across the country. Fans can expect to see Heilman and Weinstein competing at top events throughout the season. With their Olympic experience and college-level training, these two Paris Olympics veterans are ready to take on the best of the best in college swimming. *Reporting by Forbes.*