#7 Gibson Holmes Flips His Commitment from Duke to Stanford for 2023-24

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.

Gibson Holmes, who had originally announced a verbal commitment to Duke University in June, has changed his intention and now plans to swim with Stanford University’s class of 2027.

“I’m proud to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Stanford University! I would like to thank my family, coaches, and friends who have helped me throughout this process. #fearthetree #gostanford 🌲🌲🌲”

Holmes is from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attends Indian Hill High School and swims club with Mason Manta Rays. He is a three-time Ohio High School Division 2 state champion in the 100 fly and a two-time state champion in the 200 IM. He first won the 100 fly at the state meet as a freshman in 2020 with a then-PB of 48.37. The following year, he clocked a 47.97 to earn the gold medal. This past season, he went 46.84 in the final after having put up a PB of 46.77 in prelims. Also this year, he notched a PB in the 200 IM in prelims (1:44.59) before winning the event with 1:46.34. Last year’s winning time was 1:48.20. As a freshman, he competed in the 200 free, coming in second place (1:39.25) after having gone a PB of 1:38.50 in prelims.

Holmes had a successful long course season which culminated in two finals appearances at Speedo Junior Nationals (100 free and 200 fly) and PBs in the 100 free (50.98), 100 back (59.37), and 200 fly (2:00.80).

In addition to his 3.6-second drop in the 200 IM during his high school years, Holmes has gone from a 1:50 to 1:42.9 in the 200 fly. These big time drops helped him jump from #19 to #7 in our class of 2023 rankings. His best SCY time would have made him Stanford’s #3 performer in the 200 fly last season. He also would have ranked among the 5 or 6 fastest in the 100 fly and 200/400 IM.

Best SCY times:

  • 200 IM – 1:44.59
  • 400 IM – 3:55.94
  • 200 fly – 1:42.95
  • 100 fly – 46.77
  • 100 breast – 55.32
  • 500 free – 4:27.03
  • 200 free – 1:37.37
  • 100 free – 44.55
  • 50 free – 20.52

The only other public commit to the Cardinal for 2023-24 so far is Henry McFadden.

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.

8
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

8 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
SwimFanner
2 years ago

This does feel like the second flip of a high profile commitment (Alec Eneyart being the first.) Not sure what it means or if it means anything.

Peaty55Paris
Reply to  SwimFanner
2 years ago

Stanford is > than Duke

samulih
Reply to  Peaty55Paris
2 years ago

or easier to get in…..

SwimTaxi
Reply to  samulih
2 years ago

For 2022, Duke’s acceptance rate was 8.3% (@ 3,000 students). Stanford had an acceptance rate of 4.3% (@2,000 students). More importantly, Duke’s Men’s Swimming and Diving program is not fully funded, if at all. Stanford has money to offer.

Peaty55Paris
Reply to  samulih
2 years ago

Stanford was ranked number 2 top college in America, while Duke is number 9. Their acceptance rate is 8.3%, while Stanford’s is 4.3%. Stanford is the better University based on rankings and how hard it is to get into it.

Gibsonlover210
Reply to  samulih
2 years ago

Hi

Radiogaga
2 years ago

Poor Duke coach!

Lpman
2 years ago

Awesome commitment

About Anne Lepesant

Anne Lepesant

Anne Lepesant is the mother of four daughters, all of whom swam in college. With an undergraduate degree from Princeton (where she was an all-Ivy tennis player) and an MBA from INSEAD, she worked for many years in the financial industry, both in France and the U.S. Anne is currently …

Read More »