A Mac Attack: University of Florida’s Macguire McDuff in the Spotlight
Hailing from West Virginia, Macguire McDuff is what comes to mind when you think of a fast swimmer. Standing 6’6”, long and lanky, McDuff has the optimal build for a high-level athlete. He is a natural athlete, playing a variety of sports growing up and staying as active as he could. His swimming abilities emerged early in high school, and led to state records and an accumulation of impressive achievements.
But this was just the beginning. His catapult into the spotlight was seemingly an overnight phenomenon. Every time he touched water, there was a new best time. Although he previously lived in the Florida area, McDuff finally settled in Jacksonville and trained at the Bolles School during his senior year of high school. He ultimately committed to swim at his dream school, the University of Florida. Everyone knew at some point, if coach Anthony Nesty recruited McDuff, it was going to be magical. He has produced nothing short.
An Unexpected Talent
McDuff was the new swimmer on the block when he first arrived at Bolles. He was relatively shy and minded his business during practice. But teammates realized how good he was and certainly felt his presence. Not only was he the biggest swimmer on deck, but he had the biggest personality. McDuff is naturally funny and warm-hearted, and would always be the loudest person to cheer on his teammates.
After adjusting to his new environment, he quickly made friends, and became a star. He’s also a very intelligent and optimistic guy, and rarely complains. Being close friends with McDuff, we would converse about where we saw ourselves in the future. He is a humble person. Moreover, he never had outlandish goals but he would say, “Who doesn’t want to make it as far as possible? Who doesn’t want to be an Olympian?” During these conversations, I would sit back and smile because I knew he’d be an extremely successful swimmer one day.
Accolades Galore
But don’t let his gentle spirit fool you. McDuff is one of the most talented, natural born racers I’ve ever seen. Every few months, he would pile on a new qualification. State champion, Olympic trials cut, Futures champion. It was clockwork for him. And this was all before he arrived on campus in the fall of 2021. His freshman year at Florida was mind-boggling. He made the All-SEC first team, All-SEC freshman team, earned gold at the SEC Championships and qualified for NCAAs. It was an impressive year.
A Year In the History Books
Macguire came back for his sophomore year firing on all cylinders. This season, he routinely put together blazing times, contributed to multiple dual-meet victories, and expanded his race repertoire to include the 200 freestyle, in which he has become a lethal threat. Last week, he began his postseason run at the SEC championships in College Station, Texas. He entered the meet with multiple top times in the nation, and was set up for some fast swims ahead.
He got off to a hot start Tuesday night, leading off the 800 freestyle relay which resulted in a gold medal for the Florida Gators. Wednesday night, he produced his first sub-19 performance in the 50 freestyle, going 18.95 for fifth place. Then, he contributed to two more relay golds – in the 400 medley and 200 freestyle relays. Thursday, he swam to a bronze-medal performance in the 200 freestyle (1:32.34), in which he had a blistering 23.15 the last 50, the fastest in the A final. He finished out the week with an impressive fourth-place effort in the 100 freestyle (41.59), and earned a silver in the 400 freestyle relay.
Overall, he was on the podium five times at the SEC Champs and achieved all lifetime bests. Obviously, McDuff handles a large meet lineup well, and always has his best performances at night. When the lights are on, and the stakes are high, he is in his prime. His SEC performances are starting to solidify him as one of the best sprinters at the University of Florida and in the nation.
A Treat to Watch
If you haven’t watched McDuff swim, look up some of his race videos. You’ll be in for a treat. You can easily spot his huge frame stepping up to the starting blocks. He gives a couple of hand claps before the start, a routine which he’s been doing for years. When he jumps in, he is usually ahead of the field and his huge powerful strokes launch him across the pool. The back half of his races are his weapons. As competitors fade, McDuff surges.
He is now headed to the NCAA Championships in March as a real medal contender, and someone who could put themselves on a national or international team in the future. Hopefully, Macguire can achieve the goals that we talked about during our high school days, because he is deserving of his rapid success in this sport.
Congratulations. We in Parkersburg, WV knew you had the stuff. Keep up the good work.
Way to go, Mac! Congrats on the article and your achievements!