Current World Record holder in the 100m Backstroke
100m Backstroke Gold Medalist at the 2008 US Open
Won silver as part of the Men's 400m Medley Relay at the 2007 World University Games
Placed 18th in the 100m Backstroke at the 2004 Olympic Trials
Born On: March 6, 1986
Hometown: Cincinatti, Ohio
Resides: Charlotte, NC
Education: University of Arizona
Height: 6' 1
Having grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick Thoman found himself in the pool at an early age. Sick of watching his sister in the pool, Nick decided to take the plunge and learn to swim when he was four years old. He found a natural home in the water, and continued to pursue his new-found passion.
Nick was always athletic, participating in baseball, soccer, and cross-country. Throughout junior high and high school, he focused his efforts on swimming and began participating in competitions. He participated at the Olympic Team Trials, narrowly missing a spot on Team USA. He made a quick comeback at the U.S. Open in Minneapolis and nearly beat the world record time in the 100 back.
In 2008, he won a gold medal in the 100 back at the US Open. His success continued at the 2009 Duel in the Pool, when he captured the world record in the 100 back in 48.94 seconds, which remains the record to this day.
Caring about Cancer
Cancer has touched Nick Thoman's life in many ways. Nick's grandfather Richard Thoman, who was a 1940's world record holder in the 100 back, was diagnosed with colon cancer only weeks before his passing. In addition, Nick's aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer when he was 14, from which she survived. Nick's passion for increasing cancer research is evident from hearing him speak. Additionally, he is an advocate for routine check ups and screening, as these can help to detect cancer early on and maximize the ability to treat it effectively.
Adoption
Family has always been an important part of Nick's life. Growing up the youngest of two children, Nick believes that a loving family provides many opportunities in life. Recently, Nick's father adopted two children, now ages three and five, from Kazakhstan. Nick believes that adoption provides children from around the United States and the world with the opportunity to learn and grow as part of a family.
