FINIS, a world leader in technical swimming products that maximize your swimming potential and technique, announces the sponsorship of Olympic Gold Medalist, Anthony Ervin. Ervin’s story is a remarkable one, in that his last Olympic medal came in a tie for 1st place in the 50m Freestyle at the Sydney Games in 2000 with Gary Hall, Jr. He retired from the sport of swimming just a few years later in 2003 at the age of 22. After the terrible Indian Tsunami of 2004, Ervin auctioned off his Olympic gold medal in order to raise money for the tsunami relief fund in that region. He distanced himself from competing in the years that followed, traveling the world, playing in bands in New York, and finding a deeper meaning within himself.
Anthony Ervin, Olympic Champion (Photo Credit: Mike Lewis)
To the pleasant surprise of the entire swimming community, Ervin began competing again in 2011 gaining inspiration from the children he was teaching and coaching at Imagine Swimming and the Oakland Undercurrents, quickly regaining his prowess as one of the top sprinters in the world. After only a few months of training, Ervin was able to earn a spot on the 2012 London Olympic Team where he finished 5th overall in the 50m Freestyle. Now back in the water full-time with an enlightened focus, he has his sights set on this summer and beyond including Rio 2016 and what could be one of the greatest comeback stories of all time.
The “AE” we see on the pool deck now is a much different man than in 2000. His signature sleeve tattoos and unique cerebral approach towards racing and are all a testament to the wisdom he has gained along the way. FINIS President and CEO, John Mix had a few comments on the agreement:
“We are thrilled to have Anthony as a representative of our brand. He is an exceptional talent and his selflessness really sets him apart from the crowd. The fact that he is one of the most electrifying talents and personalities in the sport of swimming is simply a bonus for us. We believe in his ability to make a difference, in and out of the pool.”
Founded in 1993 in Northern California, FINIS was started by John Mix and Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer Pablo Morales. The Monofin and the Swimmer’s Snorkel were the first products they developed for the US market; afterwards, they continued to focus on creating training tools for swimmers and coaches worldwide. FINIS products are currently available in over 65 countries and are used by US and International Olympic teams, elite triathletes, and fitness swimmers.
Innovative research and design is FINIS’ highest priority. This dedication has resulted in truly unique products such as: the Swimmer’s Snorkel, which is recognized as the paramount tool to improve a swimmer’s technique, the SwiMP3 that uses bone conduction technology to play music instead of using ear buds, and the Z2 Zoomers fins, which demonstrate an intimate understanding of swimming musculature, hydrodynamics, and engineering.
He’s a great guy for the sport…love the tat’s…and Finis is one of the best out there…John Mix sure did pick them right…hope he crushes it in RIO but it will be fun to watch what he wants/and can do over the next few years.
If feigen wants a spot behind Adrian , he better swim more long course races . I didn’t see him for a long time . Ervin was way more present since London and with a better start , he can be close to 48.3 without a doubt . Usa will need him for the 400 free relay and for the 50 .
Very well deserved contract with a great company ! Well done
FINALLY! well deserved.
Ervin’s improvement as been unbelievable in this last year. His 50 free in Barcelona will surely be great, but look at what has happened with his 100 freestyle!!! 49.1 to win Charlotte? He will be huge for the USA on the 4×100 freestyle relay. Heck, he could challenge Feigen and Berens for the 2nd individual swim behind Adrian. He certainly seems capable of setting a lifetime best (I think his PR is 48.3?), which is incredible.
He already hit a PB in the 50 free last year, I think it’s only a matter of time before he comes close to his 48.3 in the 100 free. Maybe on the relay, but an individual spot I don’t know.
I agree.
Even if Ervin blast a 48.3 is not a clear deal for an individual spot.In another way, seeing how he is swimming, i will not be surprised if he blasts a time under 21.50 in 50 free.
There is so much evolution in our sport right now, i will not be surprised if someone blasts 21.50 and dont even medal!(remembering:Cielo won last Worlds in 21.52!)
Ohhhh yeah , it’s gonna be pretty fast this summer . Anthony has a 21.4/21.5 in him without a doubt ( with a better start of course ) . It’s gonna be a great race with many contenders . For the 100 free spots , nothing is clear at all apart from Adrian’s form we have seen lately . Berens ? feigen ? around 48.2 ? not sure they can step up that fast within 6 weeks . Exciting indeed .
You called it 3 years ago. Well done!’
It’s much much easier to set PB in the 50 than in the 100 the older you get.
Anyway, very cool partnerships.
Congratulations to Anthony Ervin, I’m looking forward to seeing him in Barcelona.
So deserving from such a wonderful human being.
It is so great to read nice things about swimmers. He was in Leeds, England in March, and his 100 free final was a joy to watch. Good luck to him. Finis products are very thoughtfully made, and it seems he will be a great ambassador to the brand.
yayayayayaya!! one of my favorite swimmers! so insightful and brilliant and humble and independent…and an incredible swimmer!! Congrats Anthony!!