Nick Thoman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio with a long family history of world-class swimming. He started swimming competitively in 1990 in his hometown. From Ohio, he went on to swim for the University of Arizona for two years from 2004 to 2006. After moving to Arizona, he went on to swim with the Texas Longhorn Aquatics. While under this program, Nick competed at the World University Games in 2007, earning Silver in the 4x100 Long Course Meter Medley Relay and Bronze in the 100 Long Course Meter and 200 Long Course Meter Backstroke.

In 2009 he began training at Swim MAC Carolina in North Carolina. In 2009 he also began working with Fitter & Faster Swim Tours as a clinician. You can find all of his upcoming clinics with Fitter & Faster Swim Tours on Nick’s Instagram pinned FFT Highlight under his profile here. In December of that year, he broke 2 World Records. The 2 World Records were in the 100 Short Course Meter Backstroke Record within the 4X100 Short Course Meter Medley Relay; this Relay also broke the American Record. In 2010, he competed in his first World Championships. At this meet, he helped earn a Gold Medal in the 4X100 Short Course Meter Medley Relay. In 2010 he also went to the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and won a Bronze Medal in the 50 Long long-course meter Backstroke race. In 2011 he went to the World Championships. During this meet, he helped earn a Gold Medal in the 4X100 Long Course Meter Medley Relay.

In 2012 Nick qualified for the Olympic Trials and earned himself a spot at the 2012 Olympic Games for the 100 Long Course Meter Backstroke and on the 4X100 Long Course Meter Medley Relay Team. At the 2012 Olympic Games Nick personally earned a Silver Medal for the 100 Long Course Meter Backstroke and helped the 4X100 Long Course Meter Medley Relay Team win a Gold Medal. In 2013 at the US Winter Nationals, he broke 3 American records in one night. The event was the 50 Short Course Yard Backstroke Record within the 4X50 Short Course Yard Medley Relay; this Relay also broke the American Record. The last American record broken that night was in the individual 100 Short Course Yard Backstroke race. In 2015 Nick went to the Pan American Games and earned himself a Gold Medal in the 100 Long Course Meter Backstroke race.

In 2016 Nick Thoman retired from swimming due to a severe shoulder nerve injury. Beyond Nick’s personal swimming career, he has taught private and group lessons for all ages internationally for over 20 years, including all four strokes. His goal is to share the wealth of knowledge he gained as a world-class athlete with high-level swimmers. He is available nationwide for both private and group lessons. For the past 10-plus years, Nick has also offered public and motivational speaking for small or large groups including club teams, businesses, and schools. Nick is currently Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED certified.

In 2023 one of Nick’s favorite group lessons and speaking engagements was for Pacific Masters Swimming with Rich Burns. During this time Nick provided a group lesson for the organization which focused on quality over quantity. Following the pool session Nick spoke about his journey as a professional athlete, what the Olympic experience looks like, and where he's at with swimming today. Nick also provided an opportunity for photographs and at this event, he was also able to meet and connect with several swimming legends within the organization. In 2025 Nick helped to lead and ensure water safety during the 9-week Summer Camp for Saguaro Bloom with 20 campers weekly. In July of 2026 Nick was the Head Coach for the Elite Swim Asia Swim Camp at Regents International School at Pattaya in Thailand! During this time he helped to lead multiple pool and dry land group practices each day focusing on all four strokes, starts, turns, nutrition, parents role for athletes, and racing strategy with over 25+ elite international athletes weekly.

In Nick’s free time, he enjoys rollerblading, video games, his dog Luna, and eating all the delicious vegan food his wife, Chrissy, makes! Currently, Nick resides in Southern California and offers both private and group lessons out of the San Clemente Aquatic Center primarily. If you have a preferred facility within 100 miles of Laguna Nigel, CA contact Nick directly here and he will follow up to see if the facility allows private lessons.

Nick also offers weekly coaching for no more than 10 athletes per month for swimmers who are interested in consistent, ongoing, and high level training that are given scheduling priority. This ensures consistent results and growth with world class training and guidance through direct feedback. Nick’s goal is to, help the next generation of swimmers be better, faster, and stronger than than his. Harness your strength within and take the first step towards transforming your technique. Book your private lesson now to excel in your swimming journey and unleash your true potential. Limited private lesson space remaining for 2026!