Anthony Nesty is no stranger to answering calls and the University of Florida swim coach just made history once more.
The 55-year-old has been selected to lead the United States men’s swimming team to the 2024 Paris Olympics, making him the first black head coach for the American squad, the Associated Press reported.
The announcement of Nesty’s appointment was made on Thursday, September 21. Aside from him, Todd DeSorbo was also named to lead the US women’s squad next summer.
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“I’m excited to be the men’s head Olympic coach in Paris,” Nesty said in a statement released by USA Swimming via ESPN. “Todd and I look forward to coaching these athletes to the best of their abilities in Paris next summer.”
Nesty has been known to work with other big-name swimmers such as Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, and Bobby Finke.
Another one for the history books
For those who may not be familiar with him, Anthony Nesty has had his share of past glory in making the record books.
That included being the first black male swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Games where he upset Matt Biondi.
Other than that, he was also the first black coach to lead the United States team at the World Championships in 2022.
At this year’s national championships, the 55-year-old Olympian shared the significance of having a prominent black coach in a sport that has struggled to diversify.
“You know you’re a role model,” he said via the Washington Post. “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.”
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