USC sprinting superstar Vlad Morozov had one of the most memorable NCAA Championship meets in history in 2013, where he became the first person to swim a 50 freestyle in under 18 seconds (on a relay start), and also broke a legendary Cesar Cielo 100 free NCAA/U.S. Open Record.
As it turns out, that was a final farewell to NCAA swimming for the Russian-born Morozov. He announced on Monday evening that he would forego his final year of eligibility and join the professional ranks.
Morozov first posted on his Facebook page, and then followed up with a Twitter, the announcement that had been largely anticipated on the decks of the Pac-12 all season: “This time I’m returning to the grind as a professional swimmer. Will definitely miss collegiate swimming and racing with my boys. Fight on!”
Morozov qualified two weeks ago for the 2013 World Championship squad that will go to Barcelona, Spain, and is the world’s fastest in 2013 in the 100 long course meter freestyle, plus is ranked 4th in the 50 free. He qualified to swim both races, along with at least the 50 and 100 backstrokes, at the Russia Cup.
In the fall, when Morozov had the opportunity to focus on training and racing without school, and he used that focus to win the World Short Course Championship titles in both the 50 and 100 freestyles.
See Garrett McCaffrey’s interview with Vlad Morozov earlier this year here.
I honestly can’t understand how message board fodder can become an outlet to judge someone’s life decisions. Vlad has a unique opportunity to capitalize off of his extremely special talents in a country that is starved for a superstar. Give the guy a break. Financially, this will work out for the best.
Because Vlad used the US and collegiate system to further his goals to represent Russia. He was a member of the Russian National Team before coming to the US. Many people helped Vlad by doing whatever possible, whatever benefited Vlad, at the detriment of others. (Parents were even threatened by an officer of SCS). There are many current USC students who would be thrilled to swim for USC let alone receive a full scholarship.
Having said that, I realize Vlad is just a kid and went along with the program – he had no control over things that were done. I wish him the best in his decision, but I value education and not everyone gets accepted to USC.… Read more »
Your first paragraph bugs me… I wouldn’t say he used the U.S. collegiate system to further his goals in swimming for Russia. He swam in the U.S.A to better himself. Vlad was, at one point, wanting to become a U.S citizen and in doing so made him sort of an outcast in Russian swimming circles. So, i disagree when you say he used the system to help Russia, he used the system for himself. It just so happens that Russia is benefiting, when it could just as easily have been the U.S.A
does anyone know if vlad be training with club trojan and/or be finishing his degree?
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned the real issue–The National Collegiate Assh…e Association. Swimmers have a limited time to make money. The NCAA is so intent on keeping all the money for themselves and coaches that they are hurting themselves. Tell me why an athlete should not be able to keep endorsement and prize money. It’s an absolutely hypocritical position. They already allow football players to play professional baseball. So no Phelps, Hoff and others. The Olympics changed years ago–for the better– to allow professionals.
I hinted at this when I said in my earlier post –
“The spirit of amateurism has no place in elite level swimming.”
You could make a great argument that there is absolutely no reason why college athletes should not be able to make endorsement money. Who does it hurt? Does it damage the spirit of the game? Hogwash. This is 2013 – let the kids make some money!
I agree that college swimmers should be able to make money, but the money earned should be shared with the college and coaches who train the swimmers.
i don’t think it’s greed. maybe it’s greed that the ncaa keeps football and basketball players from making money because football and basketball makes hundreds of millions of dollars per year
the ncaa championship in swimming does not get broadcast live during primetime for $100 mill. the NCAA is making little to no money off of swimming, but the swimmers aren’t either. the ncaa isn’t keeping any money for themselves in swimming
Good for Vlad! Excellent timing prior to the World Championships to start cashing in on his success. This also makes the 50 & 100 freestyles WIDE OPEN at NCAA’s next year.
I don’t know if I’d say they’re wide open. Chierighini just went 48.1 at Maria Lenk, and is the favorite to win both at NCAA’s. There is, of course, always surprises and other guys will get faster, but there’s a chance that Chierighini will start sneaking toward some records himself.
48.11
But on everything I Agree.. with Morozov out, Chiereginni is pretty far ahead of the field.. Even if someone very good shows up.. I would not bet on anyone being agle to beat Chiereginni next year
I’ll take that wager.
Messerschmidt had a pretty good season outside of college if he can get back to swimming at Cal. 42.2 and 19.2 I believe.
Put in that account, Chieriguini start in his 100 free was a WAY better than his 50 free start.
Chierighini didn’t drop time from SECs to NCAA in his 50, don’t think he did in his 100? This makes me wonder if he placed more focus on having a good worlds than swimming his best at NCAAs given his great times last week. From this I’d say he is going to swim way faster at NCAAs next year and I don’t see anyone getting close to him in either the 50 or the 100.
Could be totally wrong, just a thought, but these races are his to lose and are in no way wide open.
Maybe the races won’t be wide open as PAC12BACKER suggests but should be much more competitive without Morozov. As pointed out, Messerscmitt may be back, and a couple other impressive young sophomores from this season could be in the mix, like Ortiz & Soedel. Also, De Lucca in the 100 and Toomey in the 50 have a good shot at winning.
I would not bet on de Lucca winning the 100.. unless he changes his shift toward the 100.. he swam a terrible 100 on Maria Lenk (worst than last year)
Just hope he doesn’t sign a deal to do a reality show….What would Vlad do?
It is mind boggling…some of the comments on this thread. We all want more money for professional swimmers, a higher profile for the sport, and so on and so forth…then we get upset when one of the best amateurs goes pro? Vlad’s response to anyone wishing he would stay for another year probably looks something like “17.86” and “$$$$$$$.” As has been said…who can blame him? Why?
When it comes time I hope Missy makes 10 million with her deals, we need more of this in the sport and it can only be a good thing. The spirit of amateurism has no place in elite level swimming.
Good luck to Vlad! Can’t wait to see what he does this summer!
Hard to find fault in the decision, but sad to see him go from NCAA swimming one year early. I am certain he would not have made this decision without substantial financial endorsement and other support monies in-hand from Russia. He can train with Salo and finish up a degree at USC. This is a lot like what other athletes in the US have done in years past and is for no different reason: a substantial economic proposition pulled Vlad away.
Yep, even Missy has already planned she’s going to swim only for two years for CAL.
i feel very fortunate that I got to see Vlad swim in the Cal/USC dual meet in Berkeley during his magical final collegiate season. On a day when Adrian and Erwin swam an exhibition 50, it was blatantly obvious that Vlad (and Shields) were more than ready to succeed as pro swimmers. All the best to Vlad and I sincerely hope he completes his degree.