At the 2023 Golden Goggles Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles, World Aquatics executive director Brent Nowicki delivered a message to U.S. National Team swimmers. Nowicki praised USA Swimming for being one of the most successful swimming programs and highlighted the responsibility that comes with such a reputation. He emphasized the impact that the swimmers have on the global swimming community and called them leaders who will guide the sport.
Nowicki also spoke about the fragile state of the world and how the global swimming community has a role in providing a space for peaceful competition. These comments are likely references to conflicts such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasized the importance of the swimming community coming together in the face of these challenges.
At the 2023 Golden Goggles, Ryan Murphy was named Male Athlete of the Year and Katie Ledecky and Kate Douglass shared the Co-Female Athletes of the Year honor. This recognition highlights the exceptional talent and achievements of these athletes in the world of competitive swimming.