Former Minnesota Golden Gophers star sprinter Bowen Becker has announced he is signing with the newly announced International Swimming League (ISL) team in California – the Cali Condors. Becker, who recently finished 2nd in the 100 free at Men’s NCAAs, has become the first swimmer to join one of the 4 United States teams that were just announced this week.
Becker is primarily a sprint freestyler, having seen the most success in the 50 and 100 in recent years. His LCM best times in the 50 and 100 are 22.23 and 49.32, and are from 2016 and 2017 respectively. He did, however, drop significantly in the SCY 100 free this NCAA season, so with his focus now shifting to meters swimming, we may see him start to drop time in LCM.
Becker made his announcement in an Instagram post:
“Proud to announce that I will be going pro and trying to get to Tokyo. I have gladly accepted a position into the ISL (International Swimming League) team the Cali Condors. It is a great opportunity to swim with some fast and amazing people. Thank you all for the support especially my parents for allowing me to go for this and always being supportive of what I want to do.”
Jason Lezak has been announced as the GM of the Cali Condors.
Now this is exactly why we needed the ISL. No offense to Becker (he is a fantastic SCY swimmer) but he has not put up the times in LCM that would ordinarily allow him to continue swimming past graduation. However, with the ISL, he will be able to fund his training, and get the chance to compete on an international stage. Awesome.
I bet a lot of former college swimmers are wishing the ISL had been there when they graduated.
This is the Cindy Tran league.
Or the David Nolan league
Yes it is an amazing opportunity to be funded and delay the inevitable – Real World work existence. Mommy and Daddy I gonna be a fessional swimmin man and most of my expenses will be covered BUT can you give me another $20000 a year, NO maka that $30000 a year so I can have a good standard of living? Don’t worry about yer money cause it will help me swim faster and live a more fun life. Cant get a real job cause I’m a fessional swimmer now. Oh yea can you also buy me a sweet NEW convertible cause the California weather will be fun and the girls real pretty!
Worst comment I’ve ever seen on this site.
Come ON where is the sense of HUMOR???
Bowe is is the fastest 50 and 100 yard freestyler in the history of the B1G. Seems like a solid guy to have on a team.
As someone who hasn’t really paid attention to ISL, could someone tell me what this is about?
Nope
Good luck B!!!
#BoweKnows