In a recent Instagram post, Nathan Adrian has announced that he will be awarding a swimming superfan prize package. Among those getting in on the action are fellow Cal Olympians Ryan Murphy and Natalie Coughlin, along with USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey. The funds raised will go to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) Response Fund which is dedicated to supporting “preparedness, containment, response and recovery activities for those affected and for the responders.”
The CDP COVID-19 Response Fund’s main mandate includes supporting healthcare workers, supporting quarantined and especially vulnerable individuals, and supporting hygiene promotion activities.
Nathan Adrian is currently one of USA Swimming’s most experienced athletes, having competed at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics picking up a total of 5 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals along the way. In January of 2019, Adrian was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent two surgeries in the months following. Adrian made a solid comeback following the surgeries, appearing at both the 2019 World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea and the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
He picked up medals at both of these competitions, helping the US to gold in the mixed 4 x 100 free relays (men’s and mixed) and a silver in the men’s 4 x 100 medley relay in Gwangju. In Lima, he took gold in the 4×100 mixed freestyle and men’s medley relays, and silver in the individual 50 free, 100 free, and men’s 4×100 men’s freestyle relay.
In his post, Adrian also invited his fellow athletes to commit to donating a signed item to the cause. So far, a number of athletes have joined in on the cause to contribute signed items including:
- Nathan Adrian – 2008, 2012, and 2016 US Olympian, 5-time gold medalist, 8-time medalist – signed Speedo racing suit
- Ryan Murphy – 2016 US Olympian, 3 Time Gold Medalist – signed Speedo racing suit
- Natalie Coughlin – 2004, 2008, 2012 US Olympian, 12 Time Medalist – signed cookbook and Speedo racing suit
- Maggie Steffens – 2012 & 2016 US Olympian, Water Polo, Two Time Gold Medalist – signed suit or water polo ball
- Tom Shields – 2016 US Olympian, Gold Medalist – signed cap
- Elizabeth Beisel – 2008, 2012, and 2016 US Olympian, 2 Time Medalist – signed copy of her book and signed USA cap
- Josh Prenot – 2016 US Olympian, Silver medalist – signed cap
- Summer Sanders – 1992 US Olympian, 4 Time Medalist – ‘Figure It Out’ board game
- Breeja Larson – 2012 US Olympian, Gold Medalist – signed swim caps
- Will Licon – 2019 Pan Am Games Double Gold Medalist – signed cap
- Bruno Fratus – 2012, 2016 Brazilian Olympian, Multi-World’s medalist – signed arena suit
- Anthony Barbar – 2016 Lebanese Olympian – signed cap
- Tim Hinchey – USA Swimming CEO – round of golf for 2 with Nathan Adrian at the Broadmoor
- Speedo USA – swag bag
- Ben Lee – coach – LA Current Team Photo
Additionally, swimming photographers Mike Lewis and Jack Spitser have commited to contributing. Lewis offered up a signed aluminum print, with Spitser putting up a signed print of Ryan Murphy.
Ryan Murphy (signed photo donated by: Jack Spitser)
Mike Lewis‘ donation, printed on aluminum
CEO of USA Swimming, Tim Hunchey III has thrown in a round of golf for two, with himself and Adrian.
There goes my hero
I love Nathan! Always stepping up to lead when it’s needed. Fingers crossed that he makes the Olympic team whenever it happens
What a class act! Shouldn’t be surprised by his care & concern for others (yet I am). Go Nathan, and thanks for leading the way in helping others.