Chris Guiliano Opens Up About Notre Dame Team Suspension, Move to Texas

SwimSwam sat down with Olympic champion Chris Guiliano to get his perspective on a whirlwind of a year. Guiliano discusses in detail the investigation that ultimately landed the Notre Dame men’s swimming a 1-year suspension as well as the ripple effects of that suspension, which saw Guiliano land in Texas under Bob Bowman.

  • 0:00 Chris Guiliano Introduction
  • 1:32 Adjusting to Texas
  • 10:24 Going Through Investigation
  • 15:55 Swimming at the Olympics
  • 19:14 Reacting to 1-Year Suspension for Gambling, Culture Issues
  • 29:42 Training After the Suspension
  • 34:07 Deciding on Texas
  • 38:54 Graduating with a Notre Dame Degree
  • 41:25 Progressing to Olympic Champion
  • 48:09 Moving Forward

after our conversation, Chris Guiliano emailed me with some additional thoughts he felt were important to this story:

First, I want to acknowledge the hardship that the men at Notre Dame are still facing. Months ago, in August or September, we were asked to write a statement regarding NCAA reinstatement. Those of us who did not place any bet on swimming received reinstatement pretty quickly. On the other hand, everybody else was put on hold. Weeks and weeks go by for them, hoping to hear back about their eligibility. Unfortunately, the process continued to drag along until a few weeks ago, when they were directed to resubmit their statement. 

Swimming was a lifestyle and a time to escape everything else going on around them-it brought us all together every day. The suspended athletes were forced to find other activities to find joy in because there was no plan to allow these high-level athletes to get back in the water any time soon. After many discussions, and given the roster reductions that every team has been facing, it was determined that the program is moving on without any of these athletes.

After the investigation, the university presented us with their own view on several matters. Throughout the fall, most of the team met with the university’s Office of Community Standards (OCS) surrounding the culture. Team members had to contextualize everything about our culture to OCS. Respectfully, it would be difficult for any outsider to understand how people can communicate with each other, as many things were taken out of context. Additionally, the freshmen at the time had to testify on behalf of the accused individuals regarding their emotions about certain issues that OCS had, emphasizing that hazing was never an issue. The investigation by R&G also concluded that. These are my best friends, and I will continue to say that we promoted growth as students, athletes, and love for one another.

During one of my meetings with the administrators, I was informed that the NCAA viewed our actions as a Level III violation: the least severe breach of conduct. However, ND already made their own decision for what they thought was best in the future. Furthermore, we acknowledge that we were not perfect and made mistakes that put us in this mess.

 I had been so accustomed to hanging out with my best friends for 20 hours a week, and it came to the point where I was rarely seeing them as an off-campus senior. In the fall, I felt very emotional about what I was doing during training. There were several practices where I broke down in tears, questioning the purpose behind swimming, as I often lacked motivation. For the first time ever, I felt trapped in a space where I felt the safest-a place where I could escape. After I made my decision to transfer to UT, much of that anguish had gone away, but I knew those around me were still affected.

I have been very impressed with how all of the boys have handled the situation. I am very optimistic about the future of the program because I have been able to witness the work ethic, talent, and care among the freshman boys.

In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman Hodges and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

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HFDerecho
11 days ago

The Office of Community Standards (OCS) at any University is judge, jury, and executioner on alleged violations of the Student Code Of Conduct. Being extrajudicial, it has no constitutional restraints, and you have no legal protection. The OCS can supress or ignore evidence, make unfounded accusations, and destroy lives. The OCS could be a single person with an agenda. The OCS often lacks meaningful oversight or accountability. Freshmen signing the stack of admission paperwork, is often overlook the Student Code Of Conduct. Assume you will be held to every letter of it by the hostile and deaf Reverend Parris of “The Crucible.”

Huge_Brain
Reply to  HFDerecho
10 days ago

Good thing this is just a hypothetical…;)

Flatlander
11 days ago

Great interview.

Cassandra
12 days ago

im sure money / going pro factored into it but it rly sounds like he was very ready to be finished w ncaa swimming and focus on international competitions — i wouldnt be surprised if the quadruple taper starting w accs might be left him a little fried by the time olympics rolled around…

Taco
12 days ago

Turtle got off, just like OJ

Joe
Reply to  Taco
11 days ago

Come on man, that’s a ridiculous thing to say. OJ killed 2 people.

Admin
Reply to  Joe
11 days ago

Allegedly

TCUgooner
Reply to  Taco
11 days ago

Very few get this 😂

Apopis
Reply to  Taco
11 days ago

If the suit doesn’t fit, you must acquit…

Last edited 11 days ago by Apopis
Adam Shifty
12 days ago

Coleman: this is one your best interviews over the past year — right up there with the Hunter Armstrong one right after the Paris Olys.

This certainly changed my thinking about Giuliano. I had wondered what had happened to him after Trials to affect his Olympic performance. Now I have a better idea. I wish him future success in the water and in life.

Coleman: good grooming today (as always)! I like the hair highlights look.

Daaaave
12 days ago

I suppose anyone is entitled to have an opinion about whether he should/shouldn’t have left ND, if he should’ve chosen Texas, etc.. But also—that was a really tough decision for a young adult with exceptional talents in unique circumstances.

I hope he gives himself permission to make the most of his decision—might as well, it can’t be undone—and he has fun racing the next couple months with minimal second-guessing. Surely ND fans will still root for the guy, and of course Texas will be behind him.

Edna Mode
Reply to  Daaaave
5 days ago

The Captain should go down with the ship.

John pork
12 days ago

just overall I think it’s a very bad look for Notre dame to not allow these swimmers to represent them even after hearing back from the NCAA. How is a religious institution going to be the only school to “not forgive for your sins?” Very ironic

Swimgrl
Reply to  John pork
11 days ago

actually, predictable

Bobthebuilderrocks
12 days ago

I thought this before he committed to Texas, but Giuliano might be one of the most interesting swimmers currently active.

The only swimmer in the 100 free A Final at NCAA’s to flip in under 9 at the 25 and also has the ability to go 1:45 in the 200 LCM

Last edited 12 days ago by Bobthebuilderrocks
Andrew
Reply to  Bobthebuilderrocks
12 days ago

Random cherry picked fact to support your Texas glaze agenda

ZThomas
Reply to  Andrew
12 days ago

You’re right, this guy sucks.

Bobthebuilderrocks
Reply to  Andrew
12 days ago

He’s been at Texas for a month, lol

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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