Celebrating Achievement: The 2025 USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards
The annual USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards serves as a prestigious platform to honor the excellence and dedication of swimmers who have made significant contributions to the sport. This year’s ceremony shone brightly as Katie Ledecky and Luca Urlando were awarded the coveted Athlete of the Year titles, reflecting their historic performances at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore.
Katie Ledecky: A Record-Setting Sensation
Katie Ledecky, the unparalleled force in women’s swimming, once again solidified her legacy by winning the Female Athlete of the Year award. Ledecky’s achievements at the World Championships were nothing short of extraordinary; she set a championship record in the 800m freestyle, claiming her seventh world title in this event. This remarkable feat not only highlights Ledecky’s dominance but also marks her as the first swimmer ever to clinch seven consecutive titles in any event at the World Championships.
In addition to her gold medal in the 800m freestyle, Ledecky showcased her versatility and tenacity by securing her sixth world title in the 1500m freestyle, illustrating her unrivaled endurance. Adding to her impressive medal tally were a silver in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay and a bronze in the 400m freestyle, making this her tenth Golden Goggle Award in the Female Athlete of the Year category. Ledecky continues to inspire a generation of swimmers with her grit, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Luca Urlando: A Comeback Story
On the men’s side, Luca Urlando earned the Male Athlete of the Year award, marking a significant milestone in his career. Urlando’s standout moment came with a stunning gold-medal performance in the 200m butterfly. With a time that places him alongside the legendary Michael Phelps, Urlando became only the second American swimmer to achieve a sub-1:51 time in this challenging event.
Urlando’s journey to success has not been without its challenges. After undergoing shoulder surgery in 2022, he made a determined comeback that not only showcased his physical prowess but also his mental resilience. His victory at the World Championships was particularly significant, as he was the only male swimmer from the U.S. to secure an individual title. Urlando’s story is one of perseverance, and it serves as motivation for athletes facing their hardships.
Coaching Excellence: Todd DeSorbo’s Continued Success
The Golden Goggle Awards also celebrated coaching excellence, with Todd DeSorbo receiving the Coach of the Year honor for the second consecutive year. DeSorbo, who leads the University of Virginia’s men’s and women’s swim teams, has been instrumental in the success of his athletes. Under his watch, U.S. women brought home an impressive 21 medals from the 2025 World Championships, with nine of those medals secured by current or former Virginia swimmers. His leadership and strategic coaching have solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in the sport.
Rising Talent and Open Water Achievements
Ivan Puskovitch’s name was also highlighted as he received the Fran Crippen Open Water Athlete of the Year award. His remarkable seventh-place finish in the newly introduced 3K Knockout Sprint showcased the grit required to excel in this unique format, which demands swimmers to complete three races without a warm-up. Puskovitch’s achievement as the highest-placing American in the open-water events not only underscores his skill but highlights the growing importance of this discipline within the sport.
Relay Excellence and Team Spirit
In another notable performance, Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, and Torri Huske collectively won the Relay of the Year award for their groundbreaking gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay. Their world-record time of 3:49.34 was a moment of celebration not just for the athletes but for the entire swimming community, demonstrating teamwork at its finest. Katharine Berkoff, Lilly King, Claire Curzan, and Simone Manuel also played crucial roles in the relay’s success, showcasing the depth of talent within Team USA.
Alumni Impact and Foundation Work
The evening also honored Elizabeth Beisel, who received the Alumni of the Year award. Beisel’s commitment to the swimming community extends beyond her competitive years; she actively supports burgeoning talent through her role as an ambassador and a member of the USA Swimming Foundation Board of Directors. With accomplishments that include securing silver and bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics, Beisel exemplifies the spirit of giving back.
Moreover, David and Maya Shackley were acknowledged with the Foundation Impact Award. Their efforts in leading the USA Swimming Foundation and mentoring athletes reflect a commitment to the long-term development of the sport. With a focus on expanding support for Adult Learn-to-Swim initiatives and showcasing their dedication to swimmer development, the Shackleys’ influence will be felt for years to come.
The 2025 USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the community spirit that is a hallmark of swimming in the U.S. The stories of Ledecky, Urlando, and their fellow honorees remind us that persistence, dedication, and teamwork are the bedrocks of success in this beloved sport.