Luca Urlando Wins 2025 Swammy Award for U.S. Male Swimmer of the Year

The 22-year-old overcame injuries to capture gold at the 2025 World Championships and break the 200-yard butterfly record.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:13pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a swimmer's 200-meter butterfly race, with the swimmer's body and movements broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blues, greens, and golds, conveying the dynamic energy and precision of the event.Urlando's triumph in the 200-meter butterfly at the 2025 World Championships showcases the geometric beauty and raw power of elite swimming.Indianapolis Today

Luca Urlando, the only American male swimmer to win an individual gold medal at the 2025 World Championships, has been named the 2025 Swammy Award winner for U.S. Male Swimmer of the Year. Urlando's journey to the top was not without its challenges, as he faced multiple shoulder injuries that threatened to derail his career. However, the 22-year-old swimmer bounced back, dominating the 200-yard butterfly at the NCAA level and then breaking the 1:52 barrier in the long-course 200 fly at Worlds, becoming the first American since Michael Phelps to achieve that feat.

Why it matters

Urlando's comeback story and world-class performances in 2025 provide a much-needed boost for the American men's swimming team, which has struggled to match the dominance of swimmers like Phelps in recent years. His success in the 200 fly, one of the most competitive events in the sport, positions him as a potential star for the U.S. in the 2020s.

The details

After dislocating his shoulder in 2020 and suffering another setback at the 2022 World Cup, Urlando made a remarkable comeback. He qualified for the Olympics in 2024 and then had a breakout 2024-25 NCAA season, becoming the first swimmer to break the 1:37 barrier in the 200-yard butterfly. This performance translated to long-course swimming, where he dropped a 1:52.37 in the 200 fly at the 2025 World Championships, winning gold and becoming the first American since Phelps to break the 1:52 mark.

  • Urlando broke the National Age Group Record in the 200 fly in 2019.
  • Urlando dislocated his shoulder in 2020, facing a tough road to recovery.
  • Urlando made the senior international team in 2022 but suffered another shoulder injury at the World Cup in Indianapolis.
  • Urlando dominated the 200 fly final at the 2024-25 NCAA season, becoming the first swimmer to break the 1:37 barrier.
  • Urlando won gold in the 200 fly at the 2025 World Championships, becoming the first American since Phelps to break the 1:52 barrier.

The players

Luca Urlando

A 22-year-old American swimmer who overcame multiple shoulder injuries to capture the gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly at the 2025 World Championships, becoming the first American since Michael Phelps to break the 1:52 barrier in the event.

Michael Phelps

The legendary American swimmer who previously held the record for being the first to break the 1:52 barrier in the 200-meter butterfly.

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What they’re saying

“Urlando's journey to the top was not without its challenges, but his determination and resilience have paid off in a big way.”

— Jack Alexy, American sprint freestyler

“Urlando's success in 2025 is a testament to his talent and hard work. He's proven that he's one of the best in the world and a true leader for the American men's team.”

— Luke Hobson, American mid-distance freestyler

What’s next

Urlando, along with other top American swimmers like Alexy and Hobson, will look to continue their success and lead the U.S. men's team at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Urlando's comeback story and record-breaking performances in 2025 have cemented his status as one of the top swimmers in the world and a shining example of the resilience and determination needed to reach the pinnacle of the sport.