Anthony Nesty, a former Olympic gold medalist and successful collegiate coach, was named the head coach of the U.S. men’s swimming team for the 2024 Paris Olympics in September 2023. He will become the first Black head coach of the powerhouse American squad at the Games.
Nesty’s appointment is a significant moment for diversity and inclusion in the sport of swimming. Black swimmers have historically been underrepresented in the sport, both at the competitive level and in coaching positions. Nesty’s success is a testament to his talent and dedication, and it sends a message to Black swimmers and coaches everywhere that they can achieve their dreams.
Nesty’s coaching philosophy is focused on creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes can thrive. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to get the best out of his swimmers.
Nesty is no stranger to success at the international level. He served as an assistant coach with the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where the team won a total of 30 medals. He also served as a head coach for the U.S. team at the 2022 FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where American swimmers earned a record-breaking 45 medals in the pool.
Nesty is an accomplished Olympic athlete in his own right. He was the first Black swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal in 1988, competing for Suriname. He is also a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Nesty’s appointment as the head coach of the U.S. men’s swimming team is a historic moment for the sport. His success is an inspiration to Black swimmers and coaches everywhere, and his commitment to diversity and inclusion is a positive step forward for the sport as a whole.
The diversity tag, at times, sounds so stupid and silly, just because a non white individual was not made part of a lineup/organizational changes due to past injustices.
As a Caribbean person, Anthony Nesty was one of the best swimmers representing Surinam so why would even the non swimming ‘black” be made the Head Coach because of#diversity.
Just by itself, Anthony Nesty, on his own merit and accomplishment should be that person to lead the Swimming Initiative because he is one of the best!