Michael Brinegar Foregoing Final Year of Eligibility at Indiana; Will Train Full-Time With Mark Schubert
United States Olympian Michael Brinegar, a standout at Indiana University, announced on Wednesday night that he will forego his final collegiate season with the Hoosiers and turn professional. Brinegar competed at last summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo in the 800-meter freestyle and 1500 freestyle, finishing 17th in both events. Brinegar plans to relocate back to California and train with Hall of Fame coach Mark Schubert, who guided the distance star to the international stage.
“I would like to announce that I am foregoing my final year of collegiate eligibility to turn pro and focus my training in preparation for the upcoming international schedule leading up to Paris 2024,” Brinegar said in a press release provided to Swimming World. “I want to express my appreciation to Ray Looze, Mike Westphal and Cory Chitwood for the time and energy they invested in me during my time in Bloomington.
“I am proud that my teammates and I were able to win two Big Ten team titles and accomplish three top-six NCAA team finishes in my three years as a Hoosier. IU practices, meets, trips and team activities are things I will miss as I return to California to resume training with Mark Schubert and The Swim Team (SET).
“I look forward to representing Team USA in Portugal at the end of May (in the FINA Marathon Swim World Series).
“Go Hoosiers. Go Team USA.”
Brinegar earned his berth to the Tokyo Games with impressive performances at the United States Olympic Trials in Omaha, where he finished behind eventual Olympic champion Bobby Finke in both distance-free disciplines. By reuniting with Schubert, Brinegar will have the opportunity to focus on his work with the multi-time Olympic coach and set a plan for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2024, which will be held in Indianapolis.