John Lohn
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Editor-in-Chief of Swimming World. Author of five books, including Below the Surface. Teacher/Media Specialist. Dad of 3 girls. Philly Born.
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Articles by John Lohn
The New Era of ASCA Is Here: Modernized Certification, New Website, Mobile App and More Ways to Connect
The New Era of ASCA Is Here: Modernized Certification, New Website, Mobile App and More Ways to Connect The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) launches a new digital experience, expanded educational content and enhanced resources to make coaching education, professional development and membership benefits more accessible to coaches at every level. The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) has officially entered a new era.
ISL Announces United States Coaching Staff for All-Star Match
ISL Announces United States Coaching Staff for All-Star Match The International Swimming League (ISL) has today announced the coaches of the United States Team, the second of the four teams that will contest the ISL All-Star Match at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday, December 19, 2026.
Ilya Kharun Wasted No Time Making His Mark as American Athlete; Time to Wear Team USA Colors
Ilya Kharun Wasted No Time Making His Mark as American Athlete; Time to Wear Team USA Colors Officially, Ilya Kharun became eligible to represent the United States in international competition on October 26 – a mere week ago. That date signified one year since the 21-year-old Kharun took the necessary steps to switch his sporting nationality from Canadian to American, and it also coincided with the start of the U.S. Trials for the World Short Course Championships in Beijing.
FLASH! Jack Alexy Destroys World Record in 100 Freestyle at U.S. Short Course Trials
FLASH! Jack Alexy Destroys World Record in 100 Freestyle at U.S. Short Course Trials Four weeks after Russia’s Egor Kornev equaled the world record in the short-course version of the 100-meter freestyle during World Cup competition, the global standard in the event was dropped on Friday night at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois. The breaking arrived courtesy of Jack Alexy, the Cal standout who has been a linchpin for USA Swimming in international competition for several years.
Jack Alexy Destroys World Record in 100 Freestyle at U.S. Short Course Trials
Jack Alexy Destroys World Record in 100 Freestyle at U.S. Short Course Trials Four weeks after Russia’s Egor Kornev equaled the world record in the short-course version of the 100-meter freestyle during World Cup competition, the global standard in the event was dropped on Friday night at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois. The breaking arrived courtesy of Jack Alexy, the Cal standout who has been a linchpin for USA Swimming in international competition for several years.
U.S. Short Course Trials, Day Three Men’s Finals: Jack Alexy Rips World Record; Luca Urlando Pops American Mark
U.S. Short Course Trials, Day Three Men’s Finals: Jack Alexy Rips World Record; Luca Urlando Pops American Mark The world-record siren could blare again during Night Three men’s competition at the U.S. World Short Course Championships Trials in Westmont, Illinois. One night after he set a world record in the 100-meter breaststroke, Van Mathias will take aim at the global standard in the 50 breaststroke on Friday night at the FMC Natatorium.
FLASH! Van Mathias Breaks World Record in 100 Breaststroke; Breaks Five-Year-Old Standard
FLASH! Van Mathias Breaks World Record in 100 Breaststroke By day, Van Mathias is the Director of Operations for Indiana University swimming, where the American starred during his collegiate days. The 26-year-old Mathias can also call himself a world-record holder after his exploits on Thursday night, as he ripped a world record on Night Two of the United States World Short Course Championships Trials at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois.
Van Mathias Breaks World Record in 100 Breaststroke; Breaks Five-Year-Old Standard
Van Mathias Breaks World Record in 100 Breaststroke By day, Van Mathias is the Director of Operations for Indiana University swimming, where the American starred during his collegiate days. The 26-year-old Mathias can also call himself a world-record holder after his exploits on Thursday night, as he ripped a world record on Night Two of the United States World Short Course Championships Trials at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois.
U.S. Short Course Trials, Day Two Men’s Finals: Caeleb Dressel Grabs Title in 50 Freestyle to Return to International Waters
U.S. Short Course Trials, Day Two Men’s Finals: Caeleb Dressel Grabs Title in 50 Freestyle to Return to International Waters There should be plenty of record assaults during Day Two of men’s competition at the United States World Short Course Championships Trials in Westmont, Illinois. Following a morning prelims session that produced an American record in the 100-meter breaststroke, Van Mathias will take aim at the world record in the championship final.
A Voice For the Sport: Countdown to Home Olympic Games in Full Effect
A Voice For the Sport: Countdown to Home Olympic Games in Full Effect There’s a selection meet this week, with some of the top names in American swimming descending on the FMC Natatorium in Suburban Chicago for the United States World Short Course Championships Trials. Invitations to December’s World Champs in Beijing will be determined, that competition the final major event on the 2026 calendar.
U.S. World Short Course Trials, Day One Finals: Ryan Erisman Moves to No. 5 All-Time American in 800 Freestyle
U.S. World Short Course Trials, Day One Finals: Ryan Erisman Moves to No. 5 All-Time American in 800 Freestyle The first night of the United States World Short Course Championships Trials was brief, but Cal’s Ryan Erisman provided a highlight by winning the men’s 800-meter freestyle in commanding fashion. Racing at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois, Erisman clocked a time of 7:34.84, a time that was more than 12 seconds clear of runnerup Leonardo Barbieri Alcantara (7:47.31).
‘Stars Align’: LA28 Announces Official Slogan for Upcoming Olympic Games
‘Stars Align’: LA28 Announces Official Slogan for Upcoming Olympic Games LA28 today unveiled “Stars Align” as the official slogan of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Stellar Lineup Set for ASCA Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic in Napa; Registration Link Included
Stellar Lineup Set for ASCA Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic; Registration Link Included The American Swimming Coaches Association is bringing an outstanding lineup of coaching talent to California wine country for the 2027 ASCA Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic, January 8–10 at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California. For registration and event details, visit the 2027 ASCA Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic website.
Hofstra University Announces Addition of Men’s and Women’s Swimming
Hofstra University Announces Addition of Men’s and Women’s Swimming At a time when swimming and diving programs are too often in jeopardy, positive news comes out of the Northeast with the announcement that Hofstra University will add men’s and women’s swimming and diving, beginning with the 2027-28 academic year. The Division I school made the announcement on Monday morning, the addition moving the school’s sports offerings to 23 programs.
All the Links to Follow the U.S. World Short Course Championships Trials
All the Links to Follow the U.S. World Short Course Championships Trials The United States squad for the World Short Course Championships will be determined this week when USA Swimming holds its selection meet at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois. The U.S. World Short Course Champs Trials will be conducted from Oct. 28-31, with athletes seeking to nail down berths to the World Championships in Beijing, which will run from Dec. 1-6 at the famed Water Cube.
Tennessee’s Camille Spink Joins Exclusive Club in 100 Freestyle During CSL Action
Tennessee’s Camille Spink Joins Exclusive Club in 100 Freestyle As the University of Tennessee stormed to a dominant victory during Match Six of the College Swimming League on Friday night, Volunteer sprinter Camille Spink joined an exclusive club in the 100-yard freestyle. Behind a time of 45.91, Spink became the eighth woman to break the 46-second barrier in the event. Her victory in the 100 freestyle was complemented by a win in the 50 free, where Spink clocked 21.04.
ISL Names Coaches of Commonwealth Team for Upcoming All-Star Match
ISL Names Coaches of Commonwealth Team for Upcoming All-Star Match The International Swimming League (ISL) has today announced the coaches of the Commonwealth Team, the first of the four teams that will contest the ISL All-Star Match at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday December 19, 2026.
College Swimming League Wrapping Up Regular Season; Playoff Positions On the Line
College Swimming League Wraps Up Regular Season This Weekend; Playoff Positions On the Line The final regular-season meet of the inaugural College Swimming League season will be held on Friday night when Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama and Georgia – all Southeastern Conference programs – get together at Gabrielsen Natatorium in Athens, Georgia. The matchup will determine which programs advance to the CSL championship, who heads to the wildcard meet and which schools are knocked out of contention.
Veteran Siobhan Haughey Adjusting Training to Meet Body’s Needs
Veteran Siobhan Haughey Adjusting Training to Meet Body’s Needs Through the years, Siobhan Haughey has enjoyed significant success on the World Cup circuit, and 2026 proved no different as Haughey twice won the 200-meter freestyle as the series traveled along the Silk Road. But the veteran from Hong Kong is approaching her craft in a different manner than even a few years ago, as the former University of Michigan star listens more closely to what her body is telling her.
ASCA Fellows Research Project Identifies Practical Solutions to Improve Swim Coach Retention and Career Sustainability
ASCA Fellows Research Project Identifies Practical Solutions to Improve Swim Coach Retention and Career Sustainability Who will coach the next generation of swimmers if the profession cannot retain the coaches it has today? A new study from the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Timothy Welsh Fellows puts that question at the center of an urgent conversation about the future of swimming—and identifies concrete steps the sport can take to better support the people who make it possible.
What Happens When a Fin Adds Speed Without Changing the Kick? Inside the Data Behind the FINIS SlipFin Pro
What Happens When a Fin Adds Speed Without Changing the Kick? What Makes the FINIS SlipFin Pro Different? A closer look at what happens when a fin adds speed without changing the kick Coaches have used fins for decades for a simple reason: they work. They add propulsion, increase speed, and create training conditions that are difficult to reproduce without equipment. But every fin also changes the way a swimmer moves. More blade and resistance can slow the kick and change the rhythm being trained.
World Aquatics Announces Open Water World Cup Schedule
World Aquatics Announces Open Water World Cup Schedule World Aquatics has today unveiled the schedule for the Open Water Swimming World Cup 2026/27, where the world’s best open water swimmers will compete across five stops spanning Mexico, Egypt, Italy and Portugal as momentum builds toward the World Aquatics Championships – Budapest 2027.
World Cup Data Gives Cam McEvoy Starting Point in Consideration of 100 Freestyle
World Cup Data Gives Cam McEvoy Starting Point in Consideration of 100 Freestyle There’s a reason Cam McEvoy is nicknamed, “The Professor.” The Australian veteran operates via an analytical approach, constantly digesting data. The method has proven successful for the four-time Olympian, who is the reigning Olympic champion in the 50-meter freestyle, and the world-record holder in the event. Most recently, McEvoy sought to apply his diagnostic ways as the World Cup made its way along the Silk Road.
U.S. World Short Course Trials Less Than Two Weeks Away (See Event Schedule)
U.S. World Short Course Trials Less Than Two Weeks Away (See Event Schedule) In a little more than a week, the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois will serve as the host of the United States World Short Course Championships Trials. The meet will be the selection competition for the upcoming World Short Course Champs, scheduled for Dec. 1-6 at the Water Cube in Beijing. The venue was the site of the 2008 Olympic Games, where Michael Phelps producd his legendary eight-gold-medal performance.
Pieter Coetze, Marrit Steenbergen Claim World Cup Titles; Land $100k Bonuses
Pieter Coetze, Marrit Steenbergen Claim World Cup Titles; Land $100k Bonuses After three weeks of competition along the Silk Road, the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen and South Africa’s Pieter Coetze have been crowned the overall titlists for the 2026 World Cup campaign. Steenbergen and Coetze were consistent throughout the World Cup, earning $100,000 bonuses for their efforts.
World Cup Astana, Day 3 Finals: Ilia Borodin Denies Carson Foster a Triple Crown in 400 IM
World Cup Astana, Day 3 Finals: Ilia Borodin Denies Carson Foster a Triple Crown in 400 IM Following three weeks of competition, highlighted by several world-record performances, the 2026 edition of the World Aquatics World Cup wraps up on Saturday in Astana, Kazakhstan. This year’s tour was conducted along the Silk Road, with initial stops in Baku, Azerbaijan and Tashkent, Uzbekistan helping to promote the sport to a wider geographic locale and new audiences.
World Cup Astana, Day 3 Finals: Marrit Steenbergen Doubles; Yu Yiting Drops Asian Record in 200 IM
World Cup Astana, Day 3 Finals: Marrit Steenbergen Doubles; Yu Yiting Drops Asian Record in 200 IM Following three weeks of competition, highlighted by several world-record performances, the 2026 edition of the World Aquatics World Cup wraps up on Saturday in Astana, Kazakhstan. This year’s tour was conducted along the Silk Road, with initial stops in Baku, Azerbaijan and Tashkent, Uzbekistan helping to promote the sport to a wider geographic locale and new audiences.
FLASH! Gretchen Walsh Blisters World Record in 50 Freestyle at Virginia Pro-Am
FLASH! Gretchen Walsh Blisters World Record in 50 Freestyle at Virginia Pro-Am Nearly two years after she set a world record in the event at the World Short Course Championships in Budapest, American Gretchen Walsh lowered her global standard in the 50-meter freestyle on Friday night. Racing at the Virginia Pro-Am, Walsh zipped to a time of 22.75, an effort that bettered her world mark of 22.83.
College Swimming League: Match Five Will Go Long Way Toward Shaping Playoff Picture
College Swimming League Match Five Will Go Long Way Toward Shaping Playoff Picture The College Swimming League (CSL) regular season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with four of the six pre-postseason matches concluded. Match Five is scheduled for Friday (5:30 p.m.) in Walnut, California, with Stanford, Cal, North Carolina State and Indiana clashing.
Swimming Canada Names 119 Rising Stars to National Development Program ID Teams
Swimming Canada has named 119 young swimmers to its 2026 National Development Program Identification (ID) Teams, featuring promising athletes from across the country. The program recognizes developing swimmers who have achieved established performance standards and demonstrated potential for progressing toward Canada’s senior national team and future international success. Athletes were identified based on long-course performances achieved between June 1 and Aug.
ASCA and Ohio Swimming Announce Partnership to Expand Development Opportunities for Coaches
The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) and Ohio Swimming, Inc. (OSI) have announced a new partnership designed to expand access to professional education, certification and coaching development opportunities for coaches throughout Ohio.
Final Stop of World Cup Headed for Kazakhstan; Who Will Claim Triple Crowns? (Psych Sheets)
Final Stop of World Cup Headed for Kazakhstan; Who Will Claim Triple Crowns? The final stop of this year’s World Cup series will take place from Thursday through Saturday, with the Silk Road tour making its way to Astana, Kazakhstan. The first two legs of the short-course circuit have provided plenty of excitement, highlighted by a trio of world records.
World Record Recap: 17 Global Standards Have Been Set This Year; How Many More Will Fall? (Full List)
World Record Recap: 17 Global Standards Have Been Set This Year; How Many More Will Fall? (Full List) With the final leg of the World Cup beginning later this week and the World Short Course Championships scheduled for early December, the likelihood of additional world records during the 2026 campaign is high. Already this year, the sport has witnessed 17 global standards – 13 in the long-course pool and four in short-course competition.
While Setting World Records, Egor Kornev Battling Back Injury; Cam McEvoy Expects Big Things from Russian Rival
While Setting World Records, Egor Kornev Battling Back Injury; Cam McEvoy Expects Big Things from Russian Rival Despite equaling the world record in the 100-meter freestyle and breaking a global standard in the 50 butterfly during the first two stops of the World Cup circuit, Russia’s Egor Kornev has not been in peak condition.
Shin Ohashi Pops Asian Record in the Short-Course 200 Breaststroke; Tomoyuki Matsushita Also Breaks Continental Mark
Shin Ohashi Pops Asian Record in the Short-Course 200 Breaststroke; Tomoyuki Matsushita Also Breaks Continental Mark Fresh off a world record in the long-course version of the 200-meter breaststroke, 17-year-old Japanese star Shin Ohashi notched the second-fastest time in history in the short-course edition of the event. Competing at the Japanese Championships, Ohashi clocked an Asian record of 2:00.12.
FLASH! Tomoyuki Matsushita Fires Off World Record in 400 IM; Breaks Daiya Seto Standard
FLASH! Tomoyuki Matsushita Fires Off World Record in 400 IM; Breaks Daiya Seto Standard Nearly seven years after Daiya Seto took the world record in the short-course version of the 400-meter individual medley to 3:54.81, another Japanese star has established a global standard in the event. Racing at the Japanese Short Course Championships on Sunday, Tomoyuki Matsushita clocked a time of 3:54.33 to cut nearly a half-second off the previous record.
Tomoyuki Matsushita Fires Off World Record in 400 IM; Breaks Daiya Seto Standard
Tomoyuki Matsushita Fires Off World Record in 400 IM; Breaks Daiya Seto Standard Nearly seven years after Daiya Seto took the world record in the short-course version of the 400-meter individual medley to 3:54.81, another Japanese star has established a global standard in the event. Racing at the Japanese Short Course Championships on Sunday, Tomoyuki Matsushita clocked a time of 3:54.33 to cut nearly a half-second off the previous record.
Pieter Coetze Riding World Record Wave into Final Stop of World Cup; Pleased to Have Remained Home for Training
Pieter Coetze Riding World Record Wave into Final Stop of World Cup; Pleased to Have Remained Home for Training Two months ago, Pieter Coetze made a pair of runs at the long-course world record in the 100-meter backstroke. Behind times of 51.77 and 51.71 at the Commonwealth Games, Coetze notched the second- and third-fastest performances in history. The global mark of 51.60, set in 2022 by Italian Thomas Ceccon, is undoubtedly in Coetze’s sights on the way to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Coach Bob Bowman Enhancing Social Media Presence to Provide Insights and Guidance
Coach Bob Bowman Enhancing Social Media Presence to Provide Insights and Guidance Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman, who has guided his athletes to 40-plus Olympic medals through the years, has enhanced his social-media presence in recent days with posts that provide insights to his coaching methodologies. On Bowman’s Facebook account, visitors can find stories from Bowman’s career, along with motivational comments, guidance and goal-oriented recommendations.
World Cup Tashkent, Day 3 Finals: Pieter Coetze Just Misses World Record in 100 Backstroke
World Cup Tashkent, Day 3 Finals: Pieter Coetze Just Misses World Record in 100 Backstroke A world record from South African star Pieter Coetze was the highlight of the second day of the World Cup stop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Can the 22-year-old maintain his momentum as the tour closes out its second leg? Coming off a global mark of 22.09 in the 50-meter backstroke, Coetze will be in the water for the 100 backstroke on Saturday, taking aim at Hubert Kos’ world record of 48.16.
FLASH! Egor Kornev Blasts World Record in 50 Butterfly at World Cup Stop in Tashkent
FLASH! Egor Kornev Blasts World Record in 50 Butterfly at World Cup Stop in Tashkent The first two stops of the World Cup circuit have been good to Russia’s Egor Kornev, who established his second world record during Saturday action in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. One week after he tied the world record in the 100-meter freestyle, Kornev blasted a time of 21.28 in the 50 butterfly. That performance cut .04 off the previous world record, the 21.32 set by Switzerland’s Noe Ponti in 2024.
Egor Kornev Blasts World Record in 50 Butterfly at World Cup Stop in Tashkent
Egor Kornev Blasts World Record in 50 Butterfly at World Cup Stop in Tashkent The first two stops of the World Cup circuit have been good to Russia’s Egor Kornev, who established his second world record during Saturday action in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. One week after he tied the world record in the 100-meter freestyle, Kornev blasted a time of 21.28 in the 50 butterfly. That performance cut .04 off the previous world record, the 21.32 set by Switzerland’s Noe Ponti in 2024.
USA Swimming Bringing 104 Athletes to National Select Camp (Full Rosters)
USA Swimming Bringing 104 Athletes to National Select Camp (Full Rosters) USA Swimming has selected 104 rising athletes for its 2026 National Select Camp at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. USA Swimming welcomes the boys’ camp from October 15-18 and the girls’ camp from October 22-25. During the camps, 52 boys and 52 girls will experience the day-to-day routine of a National Team athlete, including accommodation at the Training Center.
Tennessee Will Make College Swimming League Debut at Home; Virginia Returns to Action
Tennessee Will Make College Swimming League Debut; Virginia Returns to Action Following two weeks of competition and three matches featuring the other 11 teams in the league, the University of Tennessee will make its College Swimming League debut this weekend. The Volunteers will be on their home deck when they welcome Virginia, Louisville and Michigan to the Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville.
Psych Sheets Released for Second Leg of World Cup Tour; Marrit Steenbergen and Egor Kornev Return
Psych Sheets Released for Second Leg of World Cup Tour; Marrit Steenbergen and Egor Kornev Return The second leg of the World Aquatics World Cup will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from Thursday through Saturday, with the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen and Russia’s Egor Kornev headlining the competition. The short-course meet marks the second stop along the Silk Road and will serve as a tuneup for the World Short Course Championships, which are scheduled for Beijing in early December.
World Cup Baku, Day Three Finals: Yu Yiting Rips Asian Record in 200 IM; Steenbergen and Kornev Continue to Shine
World Cup Baku, Day Three Finals: Yu Yiting Rips Asian Record in 200 IM; Steenbergen and Kornev Continue to Shine The first leg of the World Aquatics World Cup series along the Silk Road will wrap up on Saturday night in Baku, Azerbaijan, the meet having already produced several noteworthy performances.
Passages: Eldon Godfrey, Longtime Influence in Diving World, Dies at 91
Passages: Eldon Godfrey, Longtime Influence in Diving World, Dies at 91 Diving Canada mourns the passing of Eldon C. Godfrey, O.C., a remarkable leader, volunteer, official and ambassador whose lifelong dedication helped shape the development of diving in Canada and beyond. Godfrey passed away on September 26 at the age of 91. Eldon’s involvement in diving began in Calgary in the 1970s when his daughter, Allison, began competing in the sport.
With World Record, Shin Ohashi Enhances Japan’s Rich Tradition in 200 Breaststroke
With World Record, Shin Ohashi Enhances Japan’s Rich Tradition in 200 Breaststroke Let’s be honest. We knew it was coming. Exactly when? Well, the timeframe is never easy to determine. But when 17-year-old Shin Ohashi ripped a world record of 2:04.83 in the 200-meter breaststroke at the Asian Games, it wasn’t an overwhelming shock. Ohashi has been a rising star for some time, and he entered the final at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre as the world junior record holder, behind a mark of 2:06.59.
College Swimming League Heads to Stanford for Match Three; Cal Makes Debut
College Swimming League Heads to Stanford for Match Three; Cal Makes Debut After an opening weekend in which Indiana and Virginia captured victories, the College Swimming League will host its third match on Friday. The competition will feature Cal, Stanford and Auburn making their CSL debuts, while Ohio State will return to action after a fourth-place finish during a battle with Indiana, Louisville and Michigan.
A New Deal for College Sports? How the Protect College Sports Act Would Work
A New Deal for College Sports? How the Protect College Sports Act Would Work By Alexander L. Ballard The Protect College Sports Act would change college athletics by altering compensation, transfer, and eligibility rules, establishing protections for non-revenue sports, limiting antitrust liability for specified rules, and leaving athlete employment status unresolved.
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