By Claire Wong on SwimSwam
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Aaron Thomas, a member of the USA Paralympic National Team, has signed with Hope College, a Division III institution. Thomas is a DeWitt, Michigan native; he currently swims club for Mid-Michigan Aquatics and attends DeWitt High School. In attending Hope College, which is located in Holland, Michigan, Thomas will remain in state and close to home.
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and para swimming career at Hope College! Thank you to my teammates, coaches, family, and everyone who has supported me during this journey. I cannot thank Coach Taber and Coach Jolly enough for this opportunity and I can’t wait to be a part of such an amazing program.”
Thomas competes internationally in the S10/SB9/SM10* classes, and swims a multitude of events, although he focuses mainly on the IM. At the US Paralympic National Championships (LCM) in 2023, Thomas placed 2nd in the 100 breast (1:21.99), 11th in the 100 fly (1:08.89), 10th in the 200 IM (2:36.61), and 11th in the 100 back (1:15.58).
More recently, at the CITI Para Swimming World Series (LCM), Thomas reset several of his personal bests, and additionally qualified for the US Paralympic Trials in the 200 IM: he dropped over 5 seconds from his previous best to swim a 2:28.45 and book his ticket to Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is where the Paralympic Trials will be held. He went on to swim a 1:19.32 in the 100 fly to place 9th and 1:02.14 in the 100 free to place 4th.
At trials, which is set to take place from June 27-29, Thomas will compete in a total of 4 events across the 3 days: the 100 breast, 100 back, 100 free, and 200 IM.
Best Times SCY:
- 100 free – 54.07
- 200 free – 1:56.64
- 500 free – 5:11.58
- 200 IM – 2:08.21
Hope College is a part of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). At the 2024 MIAA Championships, the men placed 2nd out of 6 teams. Under head coach Jake Taber, Hope has placed within the top 3 for the past 5 years, with their highest finish being conference champions in 2022.
*Thomas competes in the S10/SB9/SM10 disability classes. Swimmers in this class tend to have minimal weakness affecting their legs, missing feet, a missing leg below the knee or problems with their hips. This class includes a number of different disabilities including people with amputations and cerebral palsy.
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Read the full story on SwimSwam: USA Paralympic National Team Member, Aaron Thomas, signs with DIII Hope College (2024)