Nick Albiero Joining Brazilian Swimming Federation, Aiming for Paris Olympics
Sixteen months after concluding a successful five-year collegiate career at the University of Louisville, Nick Albiero has announced plans to represent Brazil in international competition. Albiero’s father Arthur, the longtime head coach at Louisville, is a Brazilian native, so Nick has dual citizenship. Albiero previously competed internationally for the United States.
“Joining the Brazilian Swimming Federation allows me to embrace my family heritage and pay tribute to my dad’s roots,” Albiero said in a press release provided to Swimming World. “I’ve always had a sense of belonging in Brazil, visiting frequently and learning about the culture, and this decision feels like a part of who I am in my core. I am incredibly grateful for the support of my family and the opportunity to compete under the Brazilian flag.
“I am filled with mixed emotions leaving USA Swimming. However there are so many exciting opportunities ahead and will forever be grateful for all of the support I have received from my family, team and sponsors during my time representing the University of Louisville and Team USA.”
Albiero previously represented the United States, winning silver in the mixed 400 medley relay at the 2017 World Junior Championships. In a stellar NCAA career, he won an individual national title in the 200-yard fly in 2021 and helped the Cardinals to a 200 medley relay win at that year’s meet. Albiero is a more accomplished short course swimmer than long course thanks to stellar underwater dolphin kicking, but he recently swam at U.S. Nationals and finished 11th in the 200 butterfly, 12th in the 200 backstroke, 15th in the 100 fly and 16th in the 100 back.
Depth in the United States level made a breakthrough to the Olympic level unlikely, so Albiero chose to pursue an international career with Brazil. Because he has not represented the U.S. internationally in recent years, he should be eligible to compete for Brazil in time for the 2024 Olympics.
I am confident that this transition will contribute significantly to my development not only as an athlete but as a person, and will put me in a great position moving forward to the Paris Olympics. I couldn’t be more excited.” Albiero said, according to the press release.
Albiero, 25, is one of the most prominent members of the LGBTQ+ community in swimming, having come out publicly in 2022. Albiero shared his thoughts on coming out to the wider community and how it affected his life and swimming in an interview last month.