Why BYU swimmer Nathaniel Eliason will set the pool aside for 2 years

Momentum is a powerful thing.

After a season like the one BYU swimmer Nathaniel Eliason just wrapped as a freshman, the expectation would be to allow the momentum into his sophomore season to build and build. Time to come back stronger. Faster.

The future is bright, so what reason could there possibly be to stop?

As it turns out, Eliason has had a reason to pause his swimming career all along. Come July, he will change his goggles and trunks for a shirt and tie as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico City.

Eliason is coming off an impressive freshman campaign, including being named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week three times. These accolades came during a season where he made a record-book splash, with top 10 marks in the BYU all-time lists for 8 events — including the all-time record in the 200 individual freestyle and contributing to the all-time record relays for the 400 and 800 freestyles.

So why walk away now?

"You always want to stay, see what you can do," he said. "But I just know there are more important things for me."

The Virginia native's relationship with the Church has always been strong. "I've had great role models," he said. "One of my grandpas is a temple president. My dad's a bishop. So I've always had a great relationship [with the Church]."

Eliason knew he would serve a mission long before he started his papers.

"It's always been a given. It was always something I'd do," he said.

It was in the last two years that he started to think seriously about preparing for missionary service, something he credits to his cousin Andrew, another BYU swimmer who returns from his mission in Tokyo this May.

Photo by Nathaniel Eliason

"Seeing him make that decision, just like me, really made it easier for me," Eliason said.

The decision to serve a mission presents unique sacrifices for everyone. But swimming is specifically against the Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ. The only body of water Eliason will likely find himself in is a baptismal font.

But Eliason's not worried about keeping his skills sharp nearly as much as one would expect.

"When I get back, it'll all still be here," he said. "And all the guys that go out [on their missions], they come back and they're faster. So, I do think you're rewarded for your service."

Eliason added, "I might be in a bathtub, just having fun."

Photo by Matthew Norton/BYU Photo

When asked what his main reason was for choosing to serve a mission, Eliason said, "It's the thought that Jesus Christ has done so much for me. There's nothing I can ever do to repay it. And I feel like it's my responsibility as a priesthood holder and just as a man to show Him that I'm willing to serve other people and do my part."

Many people in Eliason's life contributed to his decision to serve a mission. It is inevitable that his decision will yet influence others after him. He offers a message to anyone thinking about serving a mission.

"Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons," Eliason said. "Make sure you know why you're making the decision and you know why you're choosing that path. Because at the end of the day, someone else's example will only get you so far."