Anthony Nesty has been breaking barriers in swimming for decades. In 1988, he became the first Black person to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming, representing Suriname in the 100-meter butterfly. Last month, he was named the men’s swimming coach for the United States for the 2024 Paris Games, making him the first Black head coach of a U.S. Olympic swimming team.
Nesty, 55, who is also the head coach at the University of Florida, spoke about a coach’s role, team chemistry and how social media and sponsorships have changed the sport.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
The American swimmers are among the best in the world, and they all have personal coaches. So what does the Olympic coach do?
Even though there are probably 32 individuals, my big thing is, we’re all one team. We all have to support each other. We have to be enthusiastic; we have to bring good energy.It’s an individual sport. Why is team togetherness important?
I think chemistry, empathy for each other is imperative to have, especially when you go up against the world’s best. I think that gives the U.S. the edge, because they have that in college.
They know how important relays are. How important getting behind each other, being a team, walking on deck at the same time, having the same uniform on are.
2024 Paris Summer Olympics
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- Paris Bookstalls: Most of the iconic green stalls that line the River Seine must be temporarily removed before the Olympics for security reasons. The booksellers are objecting.
- Remaking the Seine: Organizers of the Games promised a waterway clean enough for Olympic swimmers and then Parisians to swim in. The job was bigger than anyone knew.
- The Real Tahiti Olympics: Almost 10,000 miles away from France, Tahiti will be home to the surfing competition of the Paris Olympics. But first, the region celebrates its own games.
I remember being on the other side. Being the only swimmer from Suriname, seeing the U.S. walk on deck, you’re like, “Wow.” It’s just the presence.It’s an individual sport. Why is team togetherness important?
I think chemistry, empathy for each other is imperative to have, especially when you go up against the world’s best. I think that gives the U.S. the edge, because they have that in college.
They know how important relays are. How important getting behind each other, being a team, walking on deck at the same time, having the same uniform on are.
2024 Paris Summer Olympics
- What to Know: Next year’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris are expected to draw millions of spectators. Here’s how to get tickets.
- Paris Bookstalls: Most of the iconic green stalls that line the River Seine must be temporarily removed before the Olympics for security reasons. The booksellers are objecting.
- Remaking the Seine: Organizers of the Games promised a waterway clean enough for Olympic swimmers and then Parisians to swim in. The job was bigger than anyone knew.
- The Real Tahiti Olympics: Almost 10,000 miles away from France, Tahiti will be home to the surfing competition of the Paris Olympics. But first, the region celebrates its own games.
I remember being on the other side. Being the only swimmer from Suriname, seeing the U.S. walk on deck, you’re like, “Wow.” It’s just the presence.It’s an individual sport. Why is team togetherness important?
I think chemistry, empathy for each other is imperative to have, especially when you go up against the world’s best. I think that gives the U.S. the edge, because they have that in college.
They know how important relays are. How important getting behind each other, being a team, walking on deck at the same time, having the same uniform on are.
2024 Paris Summer Olympics
- What to Know: Next year’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris are expected to draw millions of spectators. Here’s how to get tickets.
- Paris Bookstalls: Most of the iconic green stalls that line the River Seine must be temporarily removed before the Olympics for security reasons. The booksellers are objecting.
- Remaking the Seine: Organizers of the Games promised a waterway clean enough for Olympic swimmers and then Parisians to swim in. The job was bigger than anyone knew.
- The Real Tahiti Olympics: Almost 10,000 miles away from France, Tahiti will be home to the surfing competition of the Paris Olympics. But first, the region celebrates its own games.
I remember being on the other side. Being the only swimmer from Suriname, seeing the U.S. walk on deck, you’re like, “Wow.” It’s just the presence.Not with all the aches and pains in my body!
I think the feelings are similar. Coaches get nervous; they get stress.
As a swimmer, you have to be confident in what you do. As a coach, you have to be confident in leading your team.
The most stressful part for us as coaches is probably the last 10 days. You’re preparing to do something great. And that comes with a lot of pressure.
Especially nowadays. I didn’t have all the social media, all the noise. It seems like every athlete has an Instagram page. People follow them, know their personalities, their history.
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