Artistic Swimmer Bill May to Fulfil Second Leg of His Dreams at 46 in Paris Olympics: “Nothing’s Going to Stop Me”

If there’s a synonym for the word ‘comeback’, Bill May would be a perfect fit. The synchronized swimmer from New York has accomplished a lot in the entirety of his career. His most notable performance came back in 2015 at the World Championships. Competing in the mixed duet technical routine, May won the gold medal at Kazan. He also finished second best in the mixed duet free routine to proudly boast of a silver medal at the same tournament. 

However, his ride along the pool was not as smooth as May would have anticipated. A large part of this was the choice of his swimming discipline. Back in the day, synchronized swimming was not popular and thus, May didn’t get enough chances to prove his worth. But with impeccable determination, Bill May came out of his retirement after 10 years to fulfill one of his dreams. And guess what, come 2024, May is all set to deal with some unfinished business, 20 years after stepping away from the pool initially. 

Bill May to qualify for Paris? 

Regarded as one of the top performers in synchronized swimming, Bill May always wanted to aim at a couple of ultimate prizes. To win a gold in his discipline and to be an Olympian. He initially retired in 2004, after he was unable to compete at the Athens Olympics. However, in a shocking turn of events, 20 years down the line, Bill May is ready to step into the waters of Paris. 

Bill May knew straight away when he heard that synchronized swimming would be open for men for the first time in Paris in 2024. Unable to contain his excitement, May stated to Olympics.com, “I’m 25 years older than some of the youngest [athletes], but I won’t stop. Nothing’s going to stop me” Well, this dream could have been fulfilled in his prime, but sadly the rules did not allow him. 

Bill May was ecstatic when he heard that his discipline was recognized at the Athens Olympics. But hopes soon turned to despair as the competition was limited to only the women’s category. With no other options left, Bill May sat on the sidelines, cheering for his teammates. But even as his Olympic dreams stand on the lines of probability, Bill May has already conquered one of his other dreams back in 2015. 

Bill May wins World Champion gold in Kazan 

Swimming is a sport that requires immense physicality and conditioning. Once an athlete is retired, it is almost impossible to catch up with the rapidly changing dynamics of the sport. Well, these are cliches for the regular ones. For Bill May, the sky’s the limit as May came back and got his hands on the gold medal in the 2015 World Aquatics Championships. The entire swimming community was blown away by the stupendous display of talent and stood in unison to hail Bill May. 

But Bill May isn’t done. He is training hard to put his name on the list of 8 men that are scheduled to represent the USA in Paris. While the world waits with bated breath, the sheer courage of attempting such a feat 20 years after retirement speaks volumes about Bill May’s pedigree as a legend.