Noah Nichols is not just a swimmer; he embodies dedication, skill, and passion for a sport he found as a six-year-old. A Tarrington resident since 2007 and a former Tiger Shark, Noah still holds several Poseidon Club, Tarrington Tiger Shark, Chesterfield Aquatic League, and Steward School team records from his early swimming days. Since then, he has made a significant mark on the collegiate, national, and international swimming stages. He is a coach, a 2024 graduate of the University of Virginia (UVA), and a six-time All-American in his sport. He is a 100, 200, and 50 UVA Breaststroke record holder, a two-time ACC champion, and an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) meet and conference record holder in the 100 breaststroke. He was recently named as a United States National Team (USNT) member.

 

 

Noah’s career is dotted with remarkable accomplishments. At the recent US Open in Greensboro, NC, he won silver and then followed that with breakthrough performances in the 50 and 100-meter breaststroke swims at the World Championship Trials, ranking him 15th in the world. Those swims earned him a spot on the US National Team where he represented the United States at the 2023 Pan American Games, clinching a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke and a gold medal in the 200-medley relay. A four-time NCAA and ACC qualifier, Noah finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke in the 2024 NCAA Championships earning first-team All-America honors and marking the best finish by a UVA swimmer in that event since 2005.

 

One of Noah’s most notable feats was breaking the ACC meet and conference record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 50.82 seconds during the 2023 ACC Swimming and Diving Championships in Greensboro, NC. This achievement underscored his growth and dedication to a sport that is filled with high highs and low lows.

 

 

Noah Nichols’ journey to the Olympic stage has been impressive and inspiring. His journey began when he made his first Olympic Trials cuts as a high-schooler. Postponed due to COVID-19, he competed in Omaha, Nebraska in 2021 where he was seeded 27th in the 100-meter breaststroke and finished 14th in the semifinals, showing his early promise and potential.

 

This year, Noah took his talents to Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Nichols competed in both the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events. It was in the 100-meter breaststroke where he truly shined, advancing to the finals and finishing fifth with a time of 59.69 seconds, just off his lifetime best of 59.40 and 0.6 seconds off making the Olympic Team. His trial time would have placed 8th at this year’s Paris Olympics, highlighting just how fast the US Trials are.

 

The 2024 trials at Lucas Oil Stadium were historic, as the venue was transformed from an NFL stadium into a world-class aquatic center featuring three temporary pools. The event saw record attendance, highlighting the excitement and support for the athletes competing for a chance to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics.

 

 

Noah enjoys racing. He doesn’t care much about winning, but he doesn’t like to lose. Competition is a significant driving force for Noah, pushing him to constantly breach new barriers and excel in the sport. He attributes much of his motivation and success to the support of his family, his coaches, and his UVA teammates, several of whom are competing at this year’s Paris Olympic Games. Noah is quick to acknowledge that it is the people around him, whether by choice or circumstance, that have played a crucial role in shaping him into a better competitor. His family’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his journey, fueling his passion for swimming.

 

 

Swimming has profoundly impacted Noah’s life, introducing him to a network of inspirational, hardworking individuals who have become lifelong friends. The sport has taught him the value of a strong work ethic, and he has learned the importance of balancing having fun and buckling down and getting the hard work done. “Swimming is a sport where the outcome is determined by the countless laps in the hours when no one is looking,” says Noah. “Swimming isn’t everything, it can’t be. If it is, you’ll burn out. Swimming has opened doors. It brought me to UVA, my dream school. It doesn’t define me, but it has helped set the stage for my future out of the pool.”

 

 

Noah finds inspiration in his teammates rather than famous swimmers. While he acknowledges Michael Phelps’ impact on the sport, it is his immediate circle that has truly inspired him. Noah aspires to be a source of inspiration for future swimmers, just as his peers have been for him.

 

Noah will return to UVA to pursue a graduate degree in Foreign Policy and with one more year of NCAA eligibility, he will once again step into the water and compete for the Wahoos, this time as a veteran and leader. As he enters his final year at UVA, Noah looks forward to exploring various opportunities. He is interested in consulting and entrepreneurship and has expressed a desire to start his own business someday. Despite these diverse interests, his passion for swimming remains strong, and his future in the sport looks promising.

 

 

Noah’s journey has not been without its challenges. His freshman year was particularly tough due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought restrictions and uncertainties. Balancing academics and athletics was a significant adjustment, but through perseverance and support from his team, Noah found his footing and thrived.

 

 

Among his many achievements, Noah is particularly proud of his 2024 performance in the 200 medley relay event, where the Virginia men were not expected to score but finished top five and broke a longstanding UVA record. These moments, shared with his teammates, stand out as some of his most cherished memories. Winning his first international medal at the Pan American Games also holds a special place in his heart. “Just seeing our nation’s flag rising up over the Natatorium during the medal ceremony and hearing the Star-Spangled Banner play in Santiago, Chile, sent chills down my spine.”

 

 

Outside of swimming, Noah enjoys playing both the guitar and piano. Additionally, he has a passion for photography, often capturing the beauty of new countries he explores and the exotic cuisines he enjoys. These interests provide a well-rounded balance to his rigorous training and competition schedule, allowing him to express his creativity and unwind. “As a swimmer at this level, it is rare to find downtime. I haven’t spent more than a few days at home in the last four years, so getting the chance to step away from the pool and find time for friends and family is key for me,” Noah says.

 

Noah Nichols’ story is one of resilience, inspiration, and excellence. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons, he remains an example to the next generation of what dedication, a healthy balance of fun, and hard work can achieve.