Anthony Nesty: From Breaking Barriers to Building Champions

In 2020, a company called Soul Cap took a step to ensure Black swimmers could protect their hair during competition during the 2020 Olympics

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In 2020, a company called Soul Cap took a step to ensure Black swimmers could protect their hair during competition during the 2020 Olympics. The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the governing body for international swimming competitions, banned caps during the Tokyo Olympics.

It was just a reminder that the world continuously fails to recognize the needs of competitors who are not white. Sure, by 2022, FINA approved the caps, but the message was sent. So when a Black swimmer begins to shine, they will receive an overwhelming amount of support—as they should. Although we might not be in the competitive swim space, at one point or another, Black people know how it feels to be in white spaces and feel unwelcome. So, we happily support their journey. 

Now, we celebrate Olympic swimmers like Simone Manuel and Shaine Casas. But Anthony Nesty doggy-paddled so Manuel and Casa could freestyle. 

Nesty knows the battle for inclusion all too well. Born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1967, he moved to Suriname at a young age and quickly emerged as a standout athlete, dominating regional swim competitions. 

His dominance as an athlete didn’t mean much to the powers that be. As a Black swimmer competing on the international stage, he had to contend with stereotypes, limited resources, and a lack of representation in the sport.

That did not stop his determination or his drive to be the best. In 1988, Nesty beat American favorite Matt Biondi in the 100-meter by one-hundredth of a second to win gold in the Seoul Olympics. 

This victory made him the first Black swimmer to win an individual Olympic gold medal, and he became a national hero in Suriname. The image of Nesty standing atop the podium with his gold medal remains an iconic symbol of breaking barriers in sports.

His success did not make it easier for him to walk through doors. White athletes from affluent countries had access to resources, funding, and coaching that Nesty did not. Still, his success was awe-inspiring, and he became an inspiration for aspiring swimmers of color, proving that excellence in the pool was not confined to a single demographic.

After retiring, Nesty decided to give the next generation something that was difficult for him to come by: great coaching. He has coached elite swimmers, emphasizing discipline, hard work, and the importance of mental toughness—qualities that defined his own career.

Nesty can boast training Olympic medalists such as Caeleb Dressel and Bobby Finke. His guidance has been instrumental in their development, and his athletes often credit his wisdom and steady presence as key factors in their success.

As a coach, he has continued to push boundaries, guiding athletes to new heights and fostering an inclusive environment in a sport that still needs to make strides in terms of diversity.

Nesty’s legacy is one of hope and progress. He has shown that with determination, talent, and the right opportunities, greatness knows no bounds. His impact will be felt for generations to come, both in and out of the water.

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Anthony Nest Champion Olympics Swim Swimming
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