On Saturday, David Nolan announced on his Instagram account that he will relocate to Tempe, Arizona, to train with new Arizona State head coach Bob Bowman and his squad of elite athletes, including Michael Phelps. Nolan previously swam at Stanford University, where he won three individual titles during his Cardinal career.
Nolan first made headlines in high school when he established a National High School record in the 200 IM in 1:41.39. Four years later, he became the first man to get under the 1:40 barrier in the 200 IM when he won the NCAA title in Iowa City in a blistering 1:39.38.
Nolan swam in two A-finals at U.S. Nationals last week in San Antonio, finishing third in the 100 fly and sixth in the 100 free. Nolan scratched out of the 200 IM preliminaries as that event came right after the 100 free in the meet program.
At Arizona State, Nolan will join a group that will consist of Phelps, 400 IM American record-holder Chase Kalisz, 200 free Olympic gold medalist Allison Schmitt, and former Stanford teammates Tom Kremer and Drew Cosgarea.
Great news. As a high school swim coach, I have been watching David Nolan’s career since his historic high school days and through college. I wish him the best and hope to see him right next to Phelps in the 200 IM! Good Luck.
Ah, here they come! I imagine the Arizona Swimming LSC will see more transfers to join Bowman. If he sets up an age group club team as well the whole state will be switching club teams (team jumping is very common in AZ swimming as it is)–the state needs a club “powerhouse” again in Arizona and it would be great at that ASU pool!
I bet we see that little “Pro” group at Phoenix jump ship to train with Bowman… seems like a good fit for Smith to train with Phelps.
Great decision! Best of luck.
Great news that so many elite athletes will be coming with Bowman. I’m sure Bowman will give Arizona State’s swimming program a much-needed shot in the arm.