Editor’s Note: 2008 Paralympian Tom Miazga has announced his retirement from competitive swimming. Miazga is the current American Record holder in the 50 free, 100 free, 50 back, 100 back, and 200 back in short course yards for the S8 Class.
Tom has been a great friend to SwimSwam since we launched in 2012, and we hope he will continue to be a great friend. Simply put, he is one of the most genuinely nice and universally liked people in swimming at any level. Because our relationship makes it difficult to remain neutral, we’ll give him the floor to share the news in his own words.
For the longest time, I never even imagined that there would be an end to my swimming career. However, with a content, humbled, and extremely grateful heart, I announce my retirement from competitive swimming.
While the timing may seem weird to some, I am so happy to be going out on my own terms, and going out on top. I dreamed of finding “redemption” from missing London by making Rio, but I found it in far more gratifying way in Bismarck last week. Unlike 2012, I left Bismarck happy. I got to swim my last race in relay fashion (100 back, very fitting!) with my inspiration, Rudy Garcia-Tolson, and cheer my two, up and rising teammates as they began their journey of a lifetime. As our relay won by .01, the joy we shared together told me that swimming is irrelevant, and that the true passion comes from our actions with and upon others. I find the most gratitude now from the other side, as a mentor and coach. Life is now giving me so many new opportunities through teaching and coaching; I knew it was time to fully embrace it. Besides, finishing my last swim on the top of the podium isn’t too bad!
It’s impossible for me to write every thought and emotion I’m experiencing right now, but my gosh, what a journey it has been. When I look back, I immediately think of the relationships I have built. To all my coaches, teammates, friends, and support, I am nowhere without you. I feel obligated to thank each and every single one of you, and I plan on doing so. You have molded me, through every triumph and failure, to continually find the limitless potential we all possess. I cannot wait to use all that you have taught me to do the same for those around me. My life on deck is nowhere near over, in fact just beginning. I hope to experience everything this sport has to offer and help others achieve the goals I was personally unable to accomplish. Who knows where life will take me, but I can confidently say my swimming and relationships have given me the necessary traits to be successful, and I could not be more ready for what is in store.
So, what time is practice?
Tom you have been an inspiration to me as an athlete and coach and to my swimmers for many years in many occasions. Your attitude, energy and smile on deck every time I was present has represented the reason that I am still coaching. I am sure that besides myself, many others have feed off your radiant energy and now that you are moving to coaching the sky is the limit. We have been so luck to have you! I miss you man! Swim on!!!!
Truly a great athlete, friend, and coach! Congrats Tom!
You are awesome Tom. Thanks for being an inspiration and friend fo rmany years. Nick & Allie’s Age Group swimming experience would not have been the same without you. You are also a natural leader and coaching will be a great outlet. See you arounnd the pool!
Chuck Petersen
Congratulations Tom, so excited to see what the future has in store for you. The impact you have had on those around you is really incredible. Thrilled for you and the athletes you will coach.
Tom-
You have been an inspiration to all of us who have gotten to know you and watch your journey in the sport over the many years. As a full-time coach you are not only helping your athletes improve their times but more importantly building their personal character and life skills. We have a lot of great coaches in WI right now and you have learned from some of the best. That makes you one of the best and brightest young coaches in the land of cheese. I am excited to watch what you can do in the coaching world now that you have decided to focus on that 100%. I’ll miss watching you race, but am happy to… Read more »
One of the best training partners I could have ever asked for, and an overall great guy.
congrats Tom on a strong career – and proud to have had you on our deck back in the day – good luck with the coaching, it is the best job in the world
Tom is a class act, a tremendous swimmer and an even greater man. Best wishes, Tom. I have no doubt there are many victories to come.