While most St. Ambrose University students are preparing for the beginning of a new semester, Brett Jones '25 has something bigger on his mind.
Representing his home country of Zimbabwe, the political science student will compete August 20-25 at the CANA Senior African Championships in Tunis, Tunisia. Jones is set to compete in the 50m freestyle, 50m fly and 100m freestyle events. To qualify for the championships, swimmers must have at least one official time with a value of 650 FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation, also International Swimming Federation) points as well as rank in the top two for at least one qualifying event. FINA is the international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competitions in water sports.
"This is an amazing opportunity for me to represent my country and myself as an individual on an international level," Jones said.
Jones has been swimming competitively since the age of 15 when he discovered he was better suited for the freedom and self-accountability the sport provides.
"I've never been great at team sports," he said. "I like the idea that you swim in your own lane and compete with yourself. There's no one else to blame for your performance."
Jones said he is excited to swim with old friends also representing Zimbabwe at the championships, as well as "big names" in the swimming world.
"I'm also excited to swim in a 50-meter pool for the first time in a while, as college swimming takes place almost exclusively in 25-yard pools," he said.
At St. Ambrose, Jones is a member of the record-holding 200m freestyle relay team (1:23:74) set in 2021 and earned an All-American honorable mention at the NAIA Nationals in 2022.
Jones plans to continue swimming throughout his time at St. Ambrose and attend law school after graduation.
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