Former United States National Team member Justin Wright is leaving the University of Arizona and moving to the University of North Carolina to train under Mark Gangloff, he announced on Instagram Monday. Wright is the second swimmer this week to announce a move to UNC – two-time U.S. Worlds team member Michael Chadwick announced his move earlier this week.
“Hey everyone, I want to officially announce that at the end of the month I will be moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to continue my pro swimming career under @markgangloff at UNC. I’d like to thank the @arizonaswimdive team and coaches for getting me to this point in my career and always inspiring me to better myself. I’m excited to start on a new path, but it’s still the same journey to #Tokyo2021.”
Wright, who graduated from Arizona in 2018, placed ninth in the 200 fly at 2016 Olympic Trials. He went on to compete at the 2017 World University Games, placing sixth in the 200 fly, and then has his major breakout at 2018 Summer Nationals, when he won the event and qualified for the U.S. 2018 Pan Pacific Championships team.
Wright’s 1:54.63 from summer 2018 ranked him No. 7 in the world that season. He did not make the 2019-20 National Team, however, ranking 11th in the country last season.
It’s not yet clear, with the additions of Wright and Chadwick, if Gangloff has a larger plan in the works for a new pro base at UNC. Chadwick is a Missouri alum, but grew up in Charlotte, NC.
Update: In an email to SwimSwam, Gangloff said he has no further plans to expand the UNC pro group. His comments are below:
“My primary focus will always be the UNC collegiate athletes, that is what I am here to do. With that said, I do think we can provide Michael and Justin a great atmosphere to be a part of and help them prepare for their Olympic dreams. Being a 2 time Olympian, it is important to me that the UNC program has an Olympic focus. Whether it is our current Carolina athletes or a select few professionals, I want those that come to Carolina to feel like they can achieve their Olympic dreams.”
Best wishes Justin!
Just-in time! Amiright?? 😝
Justin is an inspiration to all of us butterfliers of “average’ height. 🙂
Much more affordable to train and closer travel since the majority of the meets are on the East Coast?
I doubt that is a reason for National teamers since USA Swimming pays for travel to meets.
He isn’t a current national teamer
One bad summer and a National teamer risks losing all of their funding for a year. Bummer, but it happened. It’s a little less affordable to train (I didn’t have to pay fees as an alum), but makes travel cheaper and chapel hill is a more marketable area for swimming skills.
Welcome to the top area for competitive swimming in the US! NC State at the top, Carolina reemerging with Gangloff, Duke women rising, TAC, NCAC, MOR, YOTA, RSA, and many more putting out great age-groupers and national competitors. You’ll fit right in.
You missed the best club program In NC and a top 3 club in the nation (MAC)
I think they’re referring to swimming in the triangle area. MAC is in Charlotte.
Good for him trying to get to the next level! Chadwick has UNC connections but does anyone what Justin’s connection is? Friends of Chadwick or something else? The best to both guys…they are in good hands!
Only connection is a lot of friends in the area!
Good Luck! Event is wide open.
One.Tough.Dude. Also please get a back-to-back photo of Justin and Chaddy. There’s gotta be a new T-shirt or potty angle they can go for.