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Blythe Begun, who competed at the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup, has announced her verbal commitment to swim for Bucknell University in Pennsylvania beginning in the fall of 2027. Begun currently trains with Toronto Swim Club, where she primarily specializes in freestyle and butterfly.
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Bucknell University! I would like to thank my family, friends, Coach Bill, and everyone who has supported me along the way. Thank you to Coaches Dan, Devin, and Collin for giving me this amazing opportunity. ‘Ray Bucknell and GO BISON!!!”
At the 2025 World Cup (SCM) stop in Toronto in October, Begun contested the 50 fly, finishing 34th in 29.16.
A month later, Begun turned in a string of fast performances at the NYAC Cup (SCM), where she logged lifetime best times in seven events. She took the runner-up spot in the 100 free (58.12) and 50 fly (28.76) and placed 3rd in the 50 free (26.95), 4th in the 100 fly (1:04.43), 5th in the 100 back (1:05.75), 6th in the 400 free (4:33.93) and 8th in the 200 free (2:08.52), marking a personal best in each.
Begun lowered her times even further at the 2025 Murray Drudge Invitational (SCM) in December. She set new personal best times in the 50 free (26.53), 100 free (57.63), 50 fly (28.39) and 100 fly (1:03.84). The following week, she shaved another .04 off her lifetime best in the 50 free with a time of 26.49 and clocked a best time of 2:08.47 in the 200 free at the Ontario Junior International meet.
More recently, Begun turned in a strong showing at the 2026 Ontario Age Groups (LCM) in March, posting three new personal bests. She won the 50 free (27.25) and 50 fly (28.85 – SB) and placed 3rd in the 100 free (59.30), 4th in the 50 back (31.32 – PB), 9th in the 200 free (2:11.69) and 19th in the 100 fly (1:08.20). She also logged a lifetime best in the 50 free (27.18) and 100 free (59.01) as the leadoff on the 200 free and 400 free relays, respectively.
Best Times SCM (SCY Conversion)
- 50 free – 26.49 (23.86)
- 100 free – 57.63 (51.91)
- 200 free – 2:08.47 (1:55.73)
- 100 fly – 1:03.84 (57.51)
A Division I Mid-Major program in the Patriot League, the Bucknell women took 3rd at this past season’s conference championships in February. Based on the results from the 2026 Patriot League Championships, Begun would have landed in the ‘C’ final in the 50 free and 100 free with her projected converted times, giving her a chance to score some points for the Bison.
On the team itself, Begun would have ranked 6th in the 50 free and 8th in both the 100 free and 100 fly this past season. With another full season to go before she arrives on campus, we’ll have to wait and see exactly how the roster shakes out.
Currently set to join Begun in Bucknell’s 2027 recruiting class are Keira Carmella and Caylee Smith, who should make for strong training partners over their four years together.
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].
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