Two-time World champ and Olympic silver medalist Chase Kalisz has signed with MP – the swimming product and swimwear brand launched by Michael Phelps.
Kalisz announced the news on Instagram today, and the official MP brand Instagram page also announced Kalisz’s addition:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzwTeBJnz8E/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvaPWpA7b2/
Kalisz won the 200 and 400 IMs at the 2017 World Championships and was the Olympic silver medalist in the 400 IM at the 2016 Olympics. His signing with MP has long been expected. Kalisz was a former club teammate with Phelps at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, and was also on the 2016 Olympic team with Phelps.
Kalisz swam in the NCAA for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He wrapped up his college career in the spring of 2017, winning NCAA titles in the 400 IM in three of his four collegiate seasons. Kalisz also took a redshirt in the 2015-2016 season to focus on making the Olympic team – that ultimately paid off in the 400 IM silver medal.
Taking over the American IM throne from Phelps and multi-time world and Olympic champ Ryan Lochte, Kalisz was one of the top professional swimmers still unsigned on the market. He’s part of the U.S. World Championship team in the 200 and 400 IM, and is a strong medal contender later this month in both of those events.
Any idea why it took him almost 2.5 years to sign with a company? Was he waiting for a deal with MP to materialize?
Big win for the GOAT
Seto has the 400 IM then.
The MP line hasn’t seemed to do much since Phelps retirement. No new tech suit or goggles since the 2016 versions, Kalisz the only athlete I know of signed. What’s up?
My guess it isn’t that popular because he put his name on every suit and cap. I think most of the athletes wouldn’t like to see other athlete name on their gear. Just my two cents.
The MP Xpresso just isn’t that good of a suit. It doesn’t have enough compression, internal taping, etc. The goggle straps break easily. The only reason the suits and goggles sell at all is because of the MP.
They do have a new suit
thank god then…their old women’s suits were U-G-L-Y
I wonder if there is a bonus for setting a 400IM WR? I’m sure the GOAT is a little conflicted on that one.
Hopefully he doesn’t pull a Dressel and choke the first big meet he can’t wear a Mizuno
Silly comment. Have you seen the times Dressels been dropping lately? Also he’s been wearing MP at most meets lately anyway I think he’ll be okay.
Congrats to one of the most poised and articulate athletes in US Swimming. I wish you a very good run over the next few years!
Aaaaand Mizuno just missed another one