SK78 Gustavo and Gus Borges

Tudo Bem to Brazilian swimming royalty, with 4-time Olympic medalist, World, and NCAA champion Gustavo Borges and his son, University of Michigan sprinter Gus Borges. For those who may not have followed swimming in the early 90s, Gustavo Borges was one of the best swimmers in the world. In his first Olympics he came 2nd to Popov in 92 in the 100free, and backed it up 4yrs later in Atlanta with a bronze in the same race. How big of a deal was he? Two more Olympic appearances later he carried the flag for Brazil in the closing ceremonies in Athens. He was the man. So, what’s it like to be his son and decide you also want to be a swimmer? This conversation should be mandatory listening for all swim parents. It’s a masterclass in how to support your kids to find their passion and if you’re the kid, how to follow in your high-achieving parent’s footsteps without the weight of the world bearing down on you. These guys have been coached by some of the legends of the sport. In 1990 Gustavo moved from BR to the USA to train at the famous Bolles School in Jacksonville Florida under Gregg Troy, then onto Michigan to swim for Jon Urbanchek. When his son Gus eventually became a recruit himself, he was given only one restriction – can’t go to Ohio State. Gus followed in dad’s footsteps to become a Wolverine and swim for Mike Bottom. Needless to say, they’ve picked up quite a few useful lessons along the way, and this conversation, is all about them. Hope you enjoy it. Here’s father and son, Gustavo and Gus Borges.