At 16, This Swimmer Broke Michael Phelps’ Record. What’s Next?

He chose the school, he says, in part for coach David Durden’s reputation for teaching underwater work: the quiet, transitional parts of the race at the start and after turns. The Cal team is also the reigning NCAA champion in men’s swimming and diving. Lynch is headed for the big leagues.

He seems remarkably well-balanced and well-spoken for an 18-year-old who’s getting fed a taste of fame. For every compliment he allows, he offers a slightly self-deprecating remark and a gentle laugh. He used the word “lucky” again and again, as if that were all that allowed him to beat Phelps’ times, and he’s quick to credit his peers and his coaches for his success.

College will seem familiar in many ways. “I know all of the guys on the team already — I’ve swam against most of them before, so I feel really comfortable there.” Which is a good thing, since he’ll be spending plenty of time with them: hours in the pool each afternoon, plus three morning sessions a week. On Sundays, rest. Or at least a dry-off with land sessions.

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