Top 10 Universities to Swim Competitively Around the World
Swimming is both a popular sport and a great way to keep fit. As a competitive swimmer, choosing the right university to continue your athletic career and education is an important decision. The top Universities for Swimming Worldwide have excellent facilities, coaching, and programs to train champions.
This article reviews the 10 best universities for competitive and Olympic swimming across the globe. Whether you dream of making your national team or receiving an NCAA title, these schools offer world-class training, support, and opportunities.
University of California, Berkeley
Swimmers who are serious about the sport but also want a prestigious academic institution should consider UC Berkeley. Located in Northern California, Berkeley has an Olympic-sized pool and hosts the Pac-12 swimming and diving championships. The university has produced 39 Olympian swimmers since 1928.
Stanford University
In sunny Palo Alto, CA, Stanford Cardinal swimmers compete at the Avery Aquatic Center with diving towers and a 50-meter pool. Stanford ranks #1 among NCAA Division 1 schools for producing Olympian swimmers, having sent 62 swimmers to the Olympic games over the university’s history.
University of Florida
The University of Florida Gators consistently rank among the top 10 college swim programs in the United States. The university has won eight NCAA national championships for women’s swimming and diving and has Olympic training facilities open to all student-athletes.
University of Georgia
UGA’s Gabrielsen Natatorium is home to the Georgia Bulldogs swim and dive teams. With a full weight room, athletic training room, and 50-meter Olympic pool, Georgia swimmers have access to amazing resources. The university also hosts the NCAA Zone Diving Championships.
Texas A&M University
The Texas A&M Aggies swimming and diving teams utilize the world-class Student Recreation Center Natatorium, which has hosted numerous NCAA championships. Texas A&M has also produced swimmers for 16 different Olympiads, including gold medalists.
Indiana University-Bloomington
At Indiana University, swimmers compete in councilman billingsley aquatic center, named after James “Doc” Councilman, the university’s legendary swimming coach. The center has hosted Big Ten swimming championships, U.S. Olympic trials, and Phillips 66 International Swimming Hall of Fame championships.
Auburn University
The Auburn Tigers swimming and diving team practices at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center, a $14 million dollar facility. Auburn University has placed swimmers on the Olympic team consistently since 1980.
Purdue University
Purdue University hosts the Boilermakers swimming and diving teams. Their facility includes an outdoor 50-meter pool, diving well, and seating for 1,500 spectators. Purdue regularly qualifies individual swimmers and relays teams for the NCAA Championships.
The University of Edinburgh
In Scotland, the University of Edinburgh offers world-class swim training in the state-of-the-art Royal Commonwealth Pool. Edinburgh has a highly successful university club swimming and water polo program that competes in British University Sport competitions.
Loughborough University
At Loughborough University in central England, elite swimmers can continue their training in a 50-meter Olympic pool. The university has trained Olympic swimming medalists and champions including gold medalist Herbert Nickols in 1908.
By choosing one of these competitive swimming colleges and universities, you can progress toward your dreams of championship titles or Olympic glory. Their outstanding coaches, facilities, academics, and swimming community support both athletic and educational excellence. So dive right in by applying today!