Carson Hick, a proud 2023 graduate of Los Alamos High School and current junior at the University of Kentucky, has just earned one of the biggest honours in his swimming journey.
On Monday, September 8, it was officially announced that he has been selected for the 2025-26 USA Swimming National Team. This marks Carson’s first-ever appearance on the national team, and it’s a major milestone in his already impressive career.
What Makes the USA Swimming National Team Special
The USA Swimming National Team is made up of the country’s top swimmers who compete at the highest level. For the men’s team this year, 67 elite athletes were chosen, representing 21 different universities across the United States.
Getting selected is no easy feat — it’s strictly based on swimming times recorded in qualifying competitions.
To be picked, swimmers must be among the top six fastest in any individual Olympic event. Carson made the cut with some outstanding performances, putting him in the league of America’s best.
Carson’s Breakthrough Performance
Carson’s selection wasn’t by luck — it came after a series of strong showings during his sophomore year at the NCAA level. One of his most memorable achievements was in the 1650 freestyle, where he managed to shave a massive 13 seconds off his previous best time.
He clocked in at 14:30.35, securing a sixth-place finish at the national level. This kind of time is what separates good swimmers from truly great ones.
International Success and Best Times
Carson also had the chance to represent Team USA at the World University Games in Germany. Competing on the international stage, he finished sixth in the 1500m freestyle, showing he can hold his own against top swimmers from around the world.
Back on home soil, he impressed again at the US Toyota Nationals. There, he came fourth in the 1500m freestyle and recorded personal bests in multiple events:
- 400m freestyle – 3:50.11
- 800m freestyle – 7:56.16
- 1500m freestyle – 15:05.87
These times helped solidify his place on the national team.
Support from the University of Kentucky
Carson’s coach, Bret Lundgaard, was full of praise for him and his journey. He said, “I am so proud of Carson, his teammates, and his coaches for their commitment to world-class swimming and can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring for him and the entire program at UK.”
Being part of the USA National Team is not just a personal achievement for Carson — it also shines a light on the training and support system at the University of Kentucky.
What Lies Ahead for Carson Hick
Now that Carson is officially part of the 2025-26 USA Swimming National Team, the future is wide open. He will get to train and possibly compete alongside Olympic-level athletes, gaining exposure, experience, and even more motivation to push his limits.
His journey from Los Alamos High School to swimming at an international level is truly inspiring. As he continues to break records and reach new milestones, Carson Hick is someone young Indian swimmers and sports fans can definitely look up to.
Carson’s story shows that with dedication, the right guidance, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible — even making it to the top in one of the world’s toughest sports.
