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.
The American swimmers are among the best in the world, and they all have personal coaches.