October 26, 2020

Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Swimmers

By: Karen Stadtmueller

Do you identify as an athlete or an artist? 

Some may take time to deliberate, others instinctively know. But great news is- You don’t have to decide! You have permission to be both. Chances are, you probably already are. The world is full of talented, multifaceted people who are more than meets the eye. So if your passions are swimming and singing-- like mine--or boxing, making music, painting, and acting, you’re in good company with these celebrities you probably didn’t know were swimmers. 

Hilary Swank

In addition to Academy Award winning acting in Million Dollar Baby, Swank was a clear athlete. She’s loved swimming since childhood and even competed in the Junior Olympics!

John Heder

Napoleon Dynamite himself raced for South Salem High School in Oregon. He was also a member of the drama club.

Kerry Washington 

This Scandal star swam in High School but credits her desire to learn to her parents telling her that being a good swimmer meant she could possibly save someone’s life one day.

Timothy Olyphant 

You’ve seen him in everything. If you haven’t, he's even in the office so- you have. But did you know he was the 3rd fastest backstroker after being recruited to swim at USC?

Nicole Kidman

This Academy Award winner and star of Halloween favorite “Practical Magic” claims it's her favorite form of exercise!

Josh Cribbs

Former receiver and kick return specialist for the Cleveland Browns credits his limited injuries to time spent in the pool. Cribbs competed in Freestyle & Butterfly events for Dunbar HS in Washington DC.

Nathalie Portman

While filming Black Swan, Nathalie Portman started swimming to ease muscle pain from the rigorous training. She has since stated that swimming made a positive impact on both muscle pain and endurance!

John Hamm 

Another HS star! This leading man competed on John Burroughs School’s swim team when he was merely a mad boy!

Kelsey Grammar

When we met in January, we obviously touched on his iconic role as Dr. Frasier Crane. But we mostly discussed swimming for exercise. The secret’s out on his go-to aquatic workout: Backstroke!

Jennifer Anniston

America’s angel swims 20-40 minutes 2 to 3 times a week and quotes it as one of her favorite exercises.