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Youssef Awad, a butterflier and freestyler, has announced his commitment to join Grand Valley State University’s swimming class of 2029. Awad attended the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio, and represented the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins in club swimming.
In March, he swam at the 2025 Sectionals in Indianapolis. Awad made the C final in the 100m freestyle, blasting a new personal best of 53.22.
One of Awad’s best short course performances came at the Silver Dolphins’ Mark Braun invite. There, he placed 3rd in the 200 fly (1:56.55), 4th in the 100 fly (49.69), and 4th in the 200 free (1:42.66).
In addition to Awad’s USA Swimming success, he has also competed under the Cairo-based sports club Al Ahly SC. He has swum at several international meets, including the 2023 Egyptian Cup and the Middle East Open Championships. At the former meet, he registered a 4:09.88 400 free, indicating potential in the 500 at college.
Awad’s Best SCY Times
- 100 fly: 49.43
- 100 free: 46.50
- 200 free: 1:42.66
- 50 free: 21.56
- 200 fly: 1:56.55
For the GVSU Lakers, who placed 4th at the 2025 Division II NCAA Championships, Awad represents an addition to a deep and successful freestyle and butterfly group. This season, he would have been their 3rd fastest 100 butterflier. At the conference level, Awad’s 100 fly time would be good enough to make the B final at the 2025 Great Lakes Conference Championships. Esteban Nuñez Del Prado, a Laker first-year, won the conference title this year in 46.78.
Grand Valley will bring in at least 11 first-year men for its 2025-26 season. Awad will have several in-class training partners in his best events, including Carter Johnson and Marcus Smith.
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Well, I knew when I was coming up that Sectional Competition Championships were a step before Regional and National of the United States of America only, but I noticed things have changed
I’m biased: I only cheered and routed for my own country USA chanting Go USA all the Way, not international athletes, plain and simple!!!
Either an American represents USA or that swimmer doesn’t: if that swimmer changes allegiance from USA to another country, then that swimmer should reside in that chosen country and furthermore, attends college over that chosen country for WORLD or the Olympics, but that is me!!
I’m not keen on international athletes of any sport for any reason: but that is me!!!… Read more »