Will Licon, born in El Paso, Texas, is making waves with his incredible achievements. Starting at the age of six, he’s overcome challenges to win 11 NCAA titles and 15 All-American honors with the Texas Longhorns.
Licon’s victories at the Pan American Games and consistent performances highlight his prowess. Now a professional with LA Current, he excels in the International Swimming League. Uncover how this Texas swimmer inspires and breaks records worldwide.
Image: Ricksanchez228, Will Licon NCAAs 2017, CC BY-SA 4.0
Early Life and Background
Will Licon’s journey began in El Paso, Texas, where he was born on August 25, 1994, and started competitive swimming at just six years old with the El Paso Tennis Club Fighting Frogs.
You can imagine young Licon diving into the pool, setting the pace for years of dedication and perseverance. By 2001, he’d joined year-round club swimming with the West Texas Typhoons, honing his skills and dreaming of Olympic success.
In 2009, his path took him to Plano, Texas, swimming for the City of Plano Swimmers team for two productive years. His high school years were marked by determination, attending multiple schools, but ultimately graduating from Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, a suburb of Austin.
Licon’s early swimming milestones foreshadowed his promising future.
College Career and Achievements
After a formative journey through diverse swim teams in Texas, Licon’s talents blossomed on the collegiate stage with the Texas Longhorns from 2013 to 2017.
You can marvel at his achievements:
- 11 NCAA titles: He dominated the pool, contributing to the Longhorns’ three consecutive national championships from 2015 to 2017.
- Versatile Champion: Licon won four individual NCAA titles across different events, highlighting his adaptability and skill.
- All-American Honors: Earning 15 All-American titles, he consistently proved himself among the elite.
Licon’s prowess was evident early on when, as a freshman, he helped break the school record in the 400-yard individual medley.
Performance at NCAA Championships
At the NCAA Championships, Licon’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.
From his debut in 2014, where he contributed to a school-record relay, to his record-breaking achievements, he consistently excelled. As a key member of the Texas Longhorns, Licon contributed to their dominance, especially in 2015, winning two individual titles and helping set a record in the 4×100-yard medley relay.
In 2016, he triumphed in the 200-yard individual medley and the 200-yard breaststroke, posting NCAA-best times. By 2017, he’d amassed 11 NCAA Championships and 15 All-American titles.
His NCAA and U.S. Open records in the 200-yard breaststroke cemented his legacy, propelling the Longhorns to national prominence.
National and International Competitions
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Despite fierce competition, Will Licon’s prowess has shone brightly on both national and international stages.
You’ve seen him make waves against top-tier swimmers, showcasing his abilities and determination. His achievements are nothing short of inspiring:
- Licon won gold in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2019 Pan American Games, setting a new event record.
- At the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, he placed third in the 200-meter breaststroke, narrowly missing the team.
- He took home a bronze medal in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2021 Short Course World Championships.
Though Licon hasn’t yet made the Olympic team, his consistent performances in intense competitions prove he’s a formidable force in the swimming world.
Pan American Games and Olympic Trials Experience
While many swimmers dream of making their mark on the international stage, Will Licon has already left an indelible impression with his performances at the Pan American Games and the Olympic Trials.
At the 2019 Pan American Games, he captured gold medals in the 200-meter breaststroke and 200-meter individual medley, setting a lifetime-best and Pan Am record of 2:07.62 in the breaststroke.
Despite his achievements, Olympic qualification eluded him at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, where he finished third in the 200-meter breaststroke.
His resilience shone through as he delivered his fastest time in nearly two years during the 2024 Olympic Trials, clocking 2:09.38, demonstrating his unwavering determination to compete at the highest level.
Professional Career and International Swimming League
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Will Licon’s move to professional swimming marked a significant step in his career, as he joined the LA Current in June 2019. He made waves in the International Swimming League (ISL), debuting in the 2019 season. You’d be impressed by his performance in the 200m breaststroke, where he clinched second place with a personal best of 2:04.33.
Licon’s drive for excellence didn’t stop there:
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He set another personal best of 2:02.42 during the ISL finale, emphasizing his competitive edge.
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The LA Current secured a commendable fourth place in the team standings, highlighting the league’s intensity.
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At the 2021 Short Course World Championships, he won a bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke, further cementing his status.
Personal Resilience and Inspirational Message
Although many athletes experience setbacks, few exemplify resilience as profoundly as Will Licon does in his swimming career. Missing the Olympic team by less than a second across multiple trials could have been disheartening, yet Licon’s personal strength shines through.
He’s proven that perseverance and self-belief are key, qualifying for the final in the 2021 Olympic Trials despite previous struggles. His remarkable move from seventh to third place, with one of the fastest finishes, highlights his determination.
Licon’s message is motivational: “keep fighting” despite setbacks. By planning to continue swimming into his 30s, he embodies resilience and inspires others to tackle challenges.
His experience reflects what unwavering determination and a positive mindset can achieve.
Breaking Records and Community Reactions
In a stunning display of talent and determination, Licon shattered the Texas pool record in the 200m breaststroke with a time of 2:08.88, surpassing Eric Shanteau’s 2009 mark. His impressive performance ranked him 15th globally in 2023, solidifying his status in the swimming community.
Licon’s record-breaking swim was characterized by:
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Splits: 29.71 (50m), 32.66 (100m), 33.25 (150m), and 33.26 (200m)
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Community Buzz: Discussions highlighting the competitiveness of U.S. men’s breaststroke
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Reputation Enhancement: Building on his 2019 Pan Am gold in the 200m breaststroke
The community’s reaction to his achievements has been overwhelmingly positive, celebrating Licon’s dedication and success in propelling Texas swimming to new heights.