Biography

Stats

Born:  October 1, 1983

Hometown:  Lilburn, GA

Residence:  Marina del Rey, CA

Height:  6’2’’

Weight:  175 lbs


Career Highlights

  1. •2010 Pan Pacific Bronze Medalist - 200 Breaststroke

  2. •2009 World Championship Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist

  3. •World Record Holder - 4 x 100 Medley Relay

  4. •2008 Olympian - 200 Breaststroke (10th)

  5. •American Record Holder - 100 and 200 Breaststroke

  6. •2005 World University Games Double Gold Medalist - First American to sweep individual medleys

  7. •11x NCAA All American

  8. •5x U.S. National Champion (Recent 2010 200 Breaststroke)

Eric grew up in Lilburn, GA.  As an age group swimmer, he broke numerous state records and recorded countless top 16 times.  While attending Parkview High School, he led his team to 3 consecutive state team titles and still holds several state records.  Upon graduation in 2002, Eric became the first male in the history of the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American Program to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a national title.


Eric went on to attend Auburn University where he completed his four years of eligibility undefeated in team competitions.  During that time his team compiled 32 duel meet victories, 4 SEC titles, and 4 NCAA titles.  Eric was a co-captain his senior year as his class finished with a perfect record.  Eric graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Family Business and was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and an CSCAA Academic All-American.  Upon graduating Eric moved to Austin, TX where he became a world class swimmer competing for Longhorn Aquatics under the coaching of Eddie Reese and Kris Kubik.  Eric currently trains at the University of Southern California under coach Dave Salo.


During the summer of 2008, Eric received some life changing news.  On June 19, 2008, just one week before the Olympic Trials, Eric was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  Eric was cleared to compete at Olympic Trials where he qualified for the 2008 Olympic team in the 200 breaststroke.  After careful consideration, Eric decided to delay treatment and stay on the team in order to fulfill his dream of competing in the Olympics.  Despite everything going on outside of the pool, Eric swam a lifetime best at the Olympics.  After returning home, he underwent surgery and was officially declared cancer free on September 15, 2008.  Since that time, he has begun working with the Lance Armstrong Foundation where he is a new voice for young adult cancer awareness.


Eric returned to the pool and 2009 proved to be a breakout year.  At the World Championships in Rome, Eric established himself among the world’s elite.  He broke the American Record in the 100 and 200 meter breaststroke.  He is the only American to break 59 seconds in the 100 and 2 minutes 8 seconds in the 200.  He also swam the breaststroke leg of the 4 x 100 medley relay that not only won the gold medal but also shattered the World Record.  After having solid performances throughout 2010 Eric has his sights set on the London Olympics in 2012.

Courtesy of Cambria Harkey

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