Nic Fink is not your average Olympic athlete. Fink is an American breastroker holding multiple international titles, including a world record in the 4×100 meter medley relay and the 4×50 meter mixed medley relay [4]. Moreover, Fink is the American record holder of the 50, 100, and 200 meter breaststroke. However the most surprising thing about this athlete is that he does this all while working a 9-5.
From Morristown, New Jersey, Nic Fink grew up swimming for New Jersey’s Cougar Aquatic Team as well as The Pingry Swim team [3]. He would then go on to attend and compete for the University of Georgia.
Throughout the past years, Fink continually balances both his athletic career and education, stating “How can I possibly stop now?” [1]. Among his unsuccessful Olympic trial attempts in 2012 and 2016, Fink has competed at Worlds, becoming recognized among the “International Swimming League”, while simultaneously furthering his education. In 2021, Fink decided to continue training while pursuing his Master’s degree, leading him to Georgia Tech. In the Summer of 2020, Fink finally reached the Olympics for his 200 meter breaststroke, placing 5th.
His “double life”, including both his athletic and professional career, has intrigued many viewers. Fink currently works a 9-5 as an electrical engineer at an Atlanta Utilities company while training for the international stage. During recent Olympic Trials in July, Fink was interviewed after his event, catching the attention of social media as he stated humorously, “I do have a 9-5, I’m a businessman. I’ve been on call this week, don’t tell my boss”[2].
Fink has revealed the prevailing support of his coworkers and what it takes to maintain a busy schedule. Him and his wife Melanie Margalis, another American swimmer, reportedly participate in Sunday meal prepping for the week. Fink continually speaks out about the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, stating, “I think it’s important to keep your mind out of the pool when you are away from the pool. I think for some, that makes for a great balance and only improves in-water performance” [5].
[1]https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/nic-fink-after-superb-2022-how-can-i-possibly-stop-now/#:~:text=Early%20in%202022%2C%20Nic%20Fink,computer%20engineering%20at%20Georgia%20Tech.
[2]https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-swimming-news-dont-tell-my-boss-posting-a-record-breaking-achievement-twenty-nine-year-old-swimmer-becomes-a-master-of-two-trades/
[3] https://swimswam.com/bio/nic-fink/
[4]https://swimswam.com/usa-men-win-4×100-medley-relay-in-championship-record-327-20-to-close-worlds/
[5] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/06/nic-fink-balancing-olympic-swimming-with-full-time-engineering-job.html#:~:text=Perhaps%20unexpectedly%2C%20maintaining%20a%20full,improves%20in%2Dwater%20performance.%E2%80%9D