“With swimming’s unique ability to impact IMG Academy’s boarding school, camps, and elite Olympic training pathways, the launch of the program required a truly world-class leader, and John is the perfect person to lead our program,” said Brian Nash, Vice President of Athletics. “His passion for the sport, combined with his Olympic pedigree and proven leadership, makes him the ideal person to build and lead IMG Academy Swimming. John’s vision and experience will inspire our student-athletes and elevate the program to new heights.”
The program will be anchored by a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center currently under construction on IMG Academy’s campus. Designed to support both elite training and competition, the Aquatic Center will offer Olympic-caliber amenities and the flexibility to host a wide range of training environments, positioning IMG Academy as a premier global destination for swimming development. The state-of-the-art Aquatic Center is scheduled to open in March 2027, with swimming camps beginning that summer and the boarding school program launching in the fall of 2027.
“Adding swimming to IMG Academy is a significant moment for the sport, and the opportunity to help build it from the ground up was one that deeply motivated my family and me to be here,” said Hargis. “The energy surrounding IMG Academy and its unwavering commitment to developing the whole student-athlete, academically, athletically, and personally, sets the global standard in sports education. My focus is on assembling the right people and creating a program that will stand as a benchmark for swimming globally.”
The above press release was provided by IMG Academy.
