Mitchell Schott: “My Sights are on LA28… Everything is Gearing Towards That”

Former Princeton swimmer Mitchell Schott continues to turn heads in the water, having picked up a big 200 freestyle win at the Fort Lauderdale Open this past week in the 200 freestyle in 1:46.70, and a 3rd place finish in the 200 butterfly.

In an interview with World Aquatics, the newly graduated Princeton Tiger detailed his goals and what he hopes to gain from training with Bob Bowman and the pro group at the University of Texas, including a potential 2028 Olympic appearance.

“This is the chapter that my sights are on LA 28. And, really, everything is gearing towards that. So, there’s no better place to do it than Texas.” Schott told World Aquatics. “My sights are on nationals and really just solidifying myself on the national team.”

Schott will be making the move down to Austin in June and had several races in Florida against his soon-to-be teammates, including the 200 fly, where Schott was one of just three sub-2:00 performers, the only two ahead of him being Leon Marchand (1:53.08) and Carson Foster (1:55.09).

“The goal is really just to get acclimated and do my thing there. I think I’m somebody who tends to do well in environments that I’m kind of new to and have to kind of establish myself.” Schott said.  “I’m really amped to get down there and just learn. I think that’s my number one goal is just to learn from all the guys in the group and, of course, from Bob.”

Schott is no stranger to long-course success, as last summer he represented the US at the World University Games, where he finished 2nd individually in the 200 IM in 1:58.25, a time that still stands as his fastest ever.

“I think long course is my baby… I’m definitely not a guy that limits myself at a meet like this.” Schott said about the Ft Lauderdale Open. “I usually can perform pretty close to my best time. So, the goal is just really to race, and who knows… sometimes I’m here and I go PBs and sometimes i’m way off.”

The move down to Austin will be a major one for Schott, who has seen so much success at Princeton and has more than lived up to the hype he had when he committed back in 2021 to the University he says he still holds so much love for.

I always get emotional when I talk about Princeton. From what I wanted in the recruitment process to what it’s been for me. There’s no better experience I could have chosen. And not only for me as a swimmer, but as a student in general, and as an individual.” Schott said. “Princeton will always have a very, very special place in my heart. It’s hard. You know, that’s how it is. And I think there’s no reason to sugarcoat it. Everybody goes to somewhere like Princeton because they willingly accept that challenge. And that’s the pressure cooker is what makes you grow as a human.”