After stepping away from the pool for two years, BYU swimmer Tanner Nelson is heading back to one of college swimming’s biggest stages.
Nelson will compete at the NCAA championships, scheduled for March 25–28, marking the continuation of a journey that has taken him far beyond the pool.
Nelson grew up in South Jordan, where he swam for Bingham High School and became one of the state’s top swimmers before joining BYU’s swimming and diving program.
As a freshman, he quickly established himself as one of the Cougars’ top swimmers, qualifying for the NCAA Championships and setting the tone for his collegiate career.
After that season, he stepped away from competition to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Puebla, Mexico.
Returning for the 2024-25 season, Nelson faced the challenge of getting back into racing shape after time away from the sport, but he worked his way back into form and became a key contributor for BYU.
“Growing up I always wanted to swim in college,” Nelson said. “After having a great freshman year and qualifying for NCAAs my freshman year, it feels full circle after qualifying again for NCAAs. It was hard to come back from my mission in Mexico, but I know that hard work and dedication pay off.”
His return season has been highlighted by a win in the 400 individual medley at the Big 12 Championships, and he holds program records in multiple distance events.
still thinking about Tanner Nelson’s 400IM Big 12 win btw pic.twitter.com/8BtIO68MZk
— BYU Swim and Dive (@BYUSwim_Dive) March 16, 2026
Nelson said his mission played a major role in shaping his mindset as he returned to competition.
“The mission taught me to look for God in places I didn’t really look before,” Nelson said. “I’ve seen God’s hand directing my swimming and I’ve relied on Him a lot more this past year.”
His performances this season earned him a spot at the NCAA championships, where he will compete against some of the top swimmers in the country.
“It means a lot to be able to represent the Y.,” Nelson said. “I’m grateful for my teammates and coaches who have helped me achieve my goals, and I know that representing BYU at the NCAA championships will leave a long-lasting impact on everyone around me.”
As the NCAA Championships approach, Nelson will represent BYU on the national stage — a full-circle moment shaped by faith, sacrifice and a return to the sport he never left behind.