Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Cory Han has verbally committed to the application process* at Columbia University for fall 2026. He announced his decision on SwimCloud, writing:
I’m thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at Columbia University. I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches for supporting me and shaping me into the person I am today. I also want to especially thank God for his blessings and plan for me. Lastly, I’m very grateful to Coach Jim, Gustavo, and Nate for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. GO LIONS!
An Indiana native, Han is a senior at Carmel High School, where he has been a member of the swimming and diving team since his junior year. He also currently trains year-round with Carmel Swim Club, primarily specializing in backstroke and IM.
At the 2025 Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) State Championships, Han picked up a bronze medal in the 200 IM (1:48.67) before going on to finish fifth in the 100 back (49.35). The 2026 state meet is scheduled in exactly two weeks’ time with prelims slated for Friday, February 27, assuming he qualifies through Sectionals this upcoming weekend.
Han is a two-time Winter Juniors qualifier, finishing 59th in the 400 IM (3:58.79), 76th in the 200 breast (2:05.29), 92nd in the 100 back (51.12), 95th in the 200 back (1:51.79), and 106th in the 200 IM (1:51.74) this past December. He recorded season bests in both IMs and the 100 back, while his nearly six-second drop in the 200 breast suggests untapped potential in an event he hasn’t focused on. He performed a bit better at the 2024 meet, where he placed 44th in the 200 back with his current personal best of 1:47.66 and 55th in the 200 IM (1:50.46).
While his 200 back personal best is over a year old, he made major progress across his other primary events in 2025. A year ago, he owned best times of 1:50.46 in the 200 IM, 3:58.21 in the 400 IM, and 49.51 in the 100 back, meaning he dropped nearly two seconds in the 200 IM, over three seconds in the 400 IM, and nearly half a second in the 100 back.
Top SCY Times:
- 100 Backstroke: 49.13
- 200 Backstroke: 1:47.66
- 200 IM: 1:48.67
- 400 IM: 3:54.83
Under the direction of head coach Jim Bolster, the Columbia men finished six out of eight teams at the 2025 Ivy League Championships. At the meet, Han’s best times would have placed 21st in the 400 IM and 22nd in the 200 back, setting him up to score some points right from the start. It took times of 48.72 in the 100 back and 1:47.49 to earn second swims in the 100 back and 200 IM, respectively.
On the team itself, Han would currently be Columbia’s fastest competitor in the 200 IM and 400 IM, and would rank third in the 200 back and fifth in the 100 back. We’ll have to wait and see how the time standings shake out after the conclusion of this competition season, but he appears well-positioned to become one of the Lions’ top contributors when he arrives.
Han joins Krish Jain (back/IM), Kyle Li (breast/IM), Tristan McCain (distance free), and Levi Skaistis (breast) in committing to Yale’s Class of 2030. Han and Jain should form a strong training partnership with nearly identical times, as Jain owns bests of 47.07/1:47.13 in the 100/200 back and 1:48.82 in the 200 IM. With Li also bringing a 1:48.65 200 IM, the Lions will welcome three sub-1:50 IMers in the class.
*Note: A verbal commitment between an Ivy League coach and a prospective student-athlete is not an offer of admission, as only the Admission Office has that authority. The coach can only commit his or her support in the admission process. Ivy League Admission Offices do not issue “Likely Letters” before October 1 of the prospective student-athlete’s senior year of high school. The Likely Letter, while issued after an initial read of the student’s application, is not an offer of admission to the university.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
