Less than a week shy of his 46th birthday, Brazilian butterflier Nicholas Santos has announced his return to senior level competition with LA 2028 aspirations.
Santos first announced the return in a reel on Instagram on February 11th. He discussed his reflection on returning, saying he has been considering “going back to the trips, the routine,” of elite level swimming. Santos ended the video saying his reflection ultimately pushed him to make a return. He says he acknowledges the discipline and chance of failure, but he accepts that path going forward.
Brazilian Aquatic Sports Confederation (CBDA) welcomed its icon back with an Instagram post.
“THE MAN IS BACK.
Four-time 50m butterfly World Champion Nicholas Santos is back in the pool as a professional athlete!
Let’s do this, @nicholasssantos1”
Santos was born on February 14, 1980, making him a part of Generation X by many standards. He will be 48 during the Los Angeles Olympics.
Age has never proved an obstacle for Santos, though. In 2022, Santos broke his own record of oldest swimming World Champion ever by winning the 50 fly at the SC World Championships in Melbourne. He was nearly 43 years old at the time. Santos also won silver in the long pool in the same event at the 2022 LC World Championships in Budapest, bringing his World Championships medal total to 14.
Santos getting back to 2022 form would be extraordinary. For a reference point, the oldest swimmer at the 2025 World Championships was Chile’s Kristel Kobrich at 39 years of age. However, Santos has remained quite competitive in the masters sphere. Last year, the Paulista broke the 45-49 SC 50 fly world record with a 23.26. His lifetime bests in the 50 fly stand at 22.60 in long course (#6 all-time) and 21.75 in short course (world record 2018-2021, now #5 all-time)
The addition of stroke 50s for LA 2028 likely had an impact on Santos’ decision. An Olympic berth is far from guaranteed, though. The only method of direct qualification in the stroke 50s will come from placing in the top six at the 2027 World Cup. Swimmers who have qualified in other events can add the stroke 50s as a bonus swim, provided that they make the minimum qualification time (23.55 for the men’s 50 fly). Santos has only swum 50s in the 2020s. Domestically, the veteran faces stiff competition from Gui Caribe, who finaled in the 50 fly at the 2025 World Championships.
Santos’ social media announcements received a swarm of love from former teammates, with names like Bruno Fratus and Guilherme Costa showing excitement. Brazil’s national Olympic organization Time Brasil also made a post celebrating Santos’ return.
Motivated me to start training for the 2032 olympics
Motivated me to start training to watch the 2028 Olympics
Although there are obviously things that need to be addressed regarding compensation of professional swimmers, I can’t help but recognize the juxtaposition between Santos’ Olympic bid and those participating in the Enhanced Games demonstrates a distinct difference between pure love of sport versus financial aspirations. Kudos to Santos and wishing him luck on this endeavor.
That is true but don’t forget he popped once in 2011 with Cielo having been giving a slap on the hand only
Readying my “unc still got it” gif for future use…
With the wonders of modern medicine and enhanced personalized nutrition, it makes sense that sprinters can remain competitive in their late 40s!
“modern medicine” bwahahaha
You’ve got one true word in that statement!
Enhanced?
It’s awesome Nicholas continues to compete.
Most people’s priorities change to work, kids, and life but this man keeps going!
The Dude Abides.
GOAT , what an absolute unit
Surprising. With his history of testing positive for furosemide, I had him as a likely candidate for the enhanced games.
Gotta be honest, I was expecting a lot more Brazilians at the enhanced games