The University of Texas swim team has added another top swimmer to its roster. Olympic swimmer Chris Guiliano will transfer to UT from Notre Dame.
Guiliano led the Fighting Irish to a record-breaking season in 2023-24 as a junior. The Pennsylvania native then qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in the men’s 50, 100 and 200 free, becoming the first American male since Matt Biondi in 1988 to do so in all three, according to SwimSwam.com.
Guiliano had a successful time at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold in the men’s 4×100 free relay and silver in the men’s 4×200 free relay.
The big reason the gold medalist is leaving South Bend is the Notre Dame men’s swimming program was suspended for one academic year after an independent law firm found that most team members engaged in gambling throughout the season.
Guiliano entered the NCAA transfer portal, but said he hoped to still graduate from Notre Dame if it was possible. In his announcing his transfer to Texas on Wednesday, he reiterated that sentiment, saying there’s a path for him to finish his degree in South Bend.
“Hook ‘Em,” Chris Guiliano posted on Instagram. “This process has been extremely difficult, but I’m excited to begin a new chapter of my life. Thank you to Notre Dame for all of the memories and relationships that will last forever. I would not be where I am today without all of you. Fortunately, there is an avenue to complete my degree from the University of Notre Dame, and I’m looking forward to walking at graduation with my class. Go Irish.”
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In the seven months since Bob Bowman was hired as the Director of Swimming and head men’s coach at Texas, the Longhorns have seen a massive talent infusion to their roster. Ksawery Masiuk, Hubert Kos, Rex Maurer, Aaron Shackell and Ben Sampson have transferred to Texas. David Johnston returns from a redshirt season, plus a strong freshman class led by Cooper Lucas and Kyle Peck.
The Longhorns Men’s swim team has won a remarkable 15 national titles since 1981.