In a seismic shift for collegiate swimming, renowned coach Bob Bowman’s relocation to Texas from Arizona State has created a ripple effect. Following his departure from ASU after nine successful years, including a historic national championship win. Bowman’s influence has already begun to reshape the landscape of the sport, and the latest announcement from World Champion Hubert Kos showcases its significance in the swimming realm.
NCAA runner-up Hubert Kos from Hungry announced his decision to transfer from Arizona State to Texas. The young star has already clinched the 2023 World title in the 200 backstroke, showcasing his prowess in the pool, and has been training with Bowman for a while. After Bowman’s announcement, Kos seized the opportunity to continue his training under the esteemed coach.
On 30th of April, he took to his Instagram handle and added a smiling image along with the caption, “First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone at ASU. The coaches, the staff, the team, the lads, and everyone who helped me along the way. This year was filled with magic moments, and I’m just truly happy to have shared them with you all. With that being said, I am incredibly excited to start a new chapter at the University of Texas, and looking forward to a successful season with my new team!
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Kos’s departure became evident as he entered the transfer portal with a “Do Not Contact” status. This followed the hiring of ASU coach Bob Bowman by the University of Texas. Kos affirmed his intention to train with Bowman until the Olympics, solidifying his separation from ASU. Not just Hubert Kos, there have been many trainees in the past, including Legend Michael Phelps, who has reached the pinnacle of success under the watchful eyes of Bowman. Here’s why Bob is a much-revered figure in the swimming realm.
A change in coaching approach to be more “human”
Bob Bowman gained fame as an assistant coach for the 2004 and 2008 U.S. Olympic teams, notably coaching Michael Phelps. He’s known for his tough training methods, aimed at preparing Phelps for future challenges. Despite the intensity, Phelps regards Bowman as a father figure, emphasizing the positive influence he’s had on his life. Phelps once described Bowman as “intense and insane,” highlighting the demanding nature of their training. However, reflecting on his coaching approach, Bowman now vouches for a gentler style. In his own words, “I’m so different. Like, a human.” That is attested by Chase Kalisz, another Olympic gold medalist.
“I’m really proud to see where Bob is at now. There’s a lot less stress and there’s a lot less pressure. He really is enjoying everything he’s doing. You can see he enjoys and really cares about everybody in our group. We have a ton of fun…Bob didn’t yell at me once this year,” Kalisz had said last year.
That changed Bob now acknowledges the importance of fostering positive relationships with athletes, recognizing the role of mentorship in their development. That newfound legacy extends beyond Phelps, having guided numerous swimmers to success which includes budding talents like Leon Marchand. Through his dedication and mentorship, Bowman has left a lasting impact on the world of swimming, shaping the careers of elite athletes and instilling valuable life lessons on the way.
