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Distance specialist Owen Gjertsen has announced his verbal commitment to swim and study at Loyola University Maryland beginning in the fall of 2027, marking the first publicized commitment in the university’s class of 2031. He publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:
I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Loyola University Maryland! I would like to thank my family, friends, and teammates for their constant support throughout this journey. I am especially grateful to Coach John, Coach Jack, and Coach Dom for everything they have done to help me develop both in and out of the pool.I would also like to thank Coach Jay, Coach Brian, and the entire Loyola coaching staff for giving me this incredible opportunity. I am excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to be a part of this team. Go Hounds!
A rising senior at Tuckahoe High School in Eastchester, New York, Gjertsen has been a member of his school’s varsity swimming team since his freshman year. In addition to swimming for the Tigers, he trains year-round with Badger Swim Club.
Gjertsen is coming off a breakout 2025-26 season that saw him drop nearly 30 seconds in the 1650 free, roughly nine seconds in the 400 IM and 500 free, and just under two seconds in the 200 free. His top meet of the season came at the NCAP Katie Ledecky Invitational in December, where he clocked his current PBs of 15:41.25 in the 1650 free, 3:57.34 in the 400 IM, and 4:31.21 in the 500 free. He swam his lifetime-best 1:43.20 in the 200 free at the SE TNAQ Speedo Southern Premier in March.
Top SCY Times:
- 200 Freestyle: 1:43.20
- 500 Freestyle: 4:31.21
- 1650 Freestyle: 15:41.25
- 400 IM: 3:57.34
A Division I Mid-Major program, Loyola Maryland competes in the Patriot League Confenference, with the men’s team placing third out of ten teams at this past season’s conference championships. Gjertsen’s current career bests would have placed 10th in the timed final of the 1650 free and would have been quick enough to qualify for the ‘B’ final in the 400 IM and the ‘C’ final in the 500 free, setting him up to be an immediate contributor with two full seasons of training still ahead of him before he lines up at his first conference meet.
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