Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of swimming and the remarkable story of Oli Kos, a Northwestern sophomore with big dreams. The pursuit of excellence knows no bounds, and Oli is here to prove it.
Oli Kos, the younger brother of Olympic champion backstroker Hubert Kos, is making waves in the swimming community. After impressive performances at the Texas Hall of Fame Invitational and the U.S. Open Championships, Oli is set to make a splash on the Big Ten and NCAA stage this spring.
But here's where it gets interesting: Oli's path to Northwestern was paved by a unique connection. Rachel Stratton-Mills, the new head coach at Northwestern, had previously worked with Hubert at Arizona State, creating a familiar link for Oli. "Northwestern reached out during my recruitment process, and with Rachel's appointment as head coach, everything fell into place," Oli shared.
The attraction to Northwestern wasn't just about swimming; the academic prestige played a significant role. Oli, who focused on his studies back in Hungary, wanted a university that excelled academically and athletically, and Northwestern fit the bill.
Oli's journey with the Wildcats has been a tale of two years. His freshman year was marred by injury, but he's bounced back stronger than ever. "I fractured my elbow mid-season, which set me back. But this season, with a great coaching staff and teammates, I'm ready to show what I can do," Oli explained.
At the 2025 Texas Hall of Fame Invite, Oli delivered lifetime best swims in all three individual events, most notably clocking an NCAA-qualifying time of 1:41.79 in the 200 backstroke. He attributes this improvement to a new training regimen, focusing on speed rather than distance.
One aspect Oli frequently mentions is the physical strength he's gained since joining the Wildcats. "Becoming stronger and bigger has been a game-changer. I want to see how far I can push my body," he added.
And this is the part most people miss: despite his impressive times, Oli isn't fully satisfied. "I know I can do better. I set high standards for myself, and I'm motivated to achieve them," he said.
Oli's championship event lineup for the foreseeable future includes the 100 back, 200 back, and surprisingly, the 200 free. This change was a strategic move made with Coach Stratton-Mills before his sophomore season.
Just two weeks after the midseason meet, Oli switched to long-course racing at the U.S. Open Championships. "Training in meters my entire life, it was great to race in meters again," Oli shared.
However, Oli's performance at the U.S. Open, while impressive, didn't meet his expectations. "I expected more from myself," he admitted.
Despite the results, Oli is poised for a successful championship season. "I want to contribute as much as possible to the team and make it to the 'A' finals at Big Tens. I want to let it happen naturally," Oli said.
Oli's aspirations extend beyond Big Tens. He's aiming for the NCAA Championships and qualifying for the European Championships, representing Hungary.
Having an Olympic champion as a brother, Oli shares a close bond with Hubert. "We've always been close, training and living together. I've experienced his successes alongside him, and it's a special bond," Oli explained.
As we follow Oli's journey, one thing is clear: his determination and talent know no bounds. Stay tuned as Oli Kos chases his dreams and makes his mark on the swimming world.
