4x Nebraska High School State Champ Kael Mlinek Verbally Commits to Princeton

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Kael Mlinek from Lincoln, Nebraska has announced his verbal commitment to the application process* at Princeton University for the 2022-23 school year and beyond.

“I am honored to announce my verbal commitment to the application process at Princeton University! It’s a dream come true to be able to pursue my academic future and become a member of an amazing swim program at such a prestigious university. I want to thank Coaches Wilnes, Baker (FL), Ebito, JB & Julie Barr, Mueller, and Germonprez, my parents, former and current teammates, and especially my sister, Lanyon. In addition, I am also grateful for former Coach Lennox and his support during the recruitment process along with Coaches Crispino and Brethauer for allowing me to be a part of the incredible team they have built. I am excited for the next four years and a lifetime of being a Tiger!  Go Tigers!”

Mlinek is a senior at Lincoln Southwest High School. He won the 100 free (46.04) and 100 breast (55.09) last season at the 2021 Nebraska High School Swimming and Diving State Championships. He also contributed the breaststroke leg (24.38) to the winning 200 medley relay and anchored the runner-up 400 free relay (45.35), all of which helped the Silverhawks win their first boys state team title, snapping Creighton Prep’s 14-year streak. The 100 breast was a repeat performance; he won the individual state title in 2020 as well (56.81). Mlinek broke the Heartland Athletic Conference 100 breast record that had stood for 30 years with a time of 54.58.

Mlinek swims year-round under Liz Germonprez at iNspire Swim Team. His best 50/100/200 breaststroke times come from the 2021 NCSA Spring Swimming Championships where he placed 3rd, 4th, and 33rd, respectively, in the finals. In addition, he split 23.99/53.64 on the breast legs of the 200/400 medley relays and 20.97 on the leadoff leg of the 200 free relay. iNspire won the men’s title at 2021 NCSAs.

He also swam all three breaststroke distances in LCM at the Speedo Summer Championships-East.

Top SCY times:

• 50 breast – 24.67
• 50 breast relay split – 23.99
• 100 breast – 54.40
• 100 breast relay split – 53.74
• 200 breast – 2:02.46
• 50 free – 20.97

Mlinek will join the Princeton class of 2026 with fellow verbal commits Conor McKenna, James Pan, Lucas Strobek, Lucas Tudoras, and Mitchell Schott. His 100 breast time would already score at the conference level; he would have been an A-finalist at the 2020 Ivy League Men’s Championships (the 2021 version was canceled due to the pandemic). Princeton is in a breaststroke rebuilding mode, having lost its top two 2019-20 performers, Derek Cox and Corey Lau, to graduation.

*Note: A verbal commitment between an Ivy League coach and a prospective student-athlete is not an offer of admission, as only the Admission Office has that authority. The coach can only commit his or her support in the admission process. Ivy League Admission Offices do not issue “Likely Letters” before October 1 of the prospective student-athlete’s senior year of high school. The Likely Letter, while issued after an initial read of the student’s application, is not an offer of admission to the university.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour 

Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

FFT SOCIAL

Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster

^{FFT is a SwimSwam partner.}