This year saw Shaine Casas win two medals at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, receiving Silver in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley and Bronze for the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay for which Shaine competed in the heats. Also this year, Shaine became the 2025 American champion at the USA Swimming Championships in June, winning Gold in the Men’s 100m Butterfly and Men’s 200m Individual Medley and also medalling in the 50m Backstroke and Butterfly events. In 2024, Shaine competed at the World Aquatics Championships (long course) in Doha, where he came away with one Gold and two Bronze medals, made his Olympic debut for Team USA in Paris, and at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (short course) in Budapest, USA became the champions after winning the 4x200m Freestyle Relay, and Shaine won Gold in the 200m IM along with three further medals in the relays. Shaine’s upcoming competitions will be the World Cup series in autumn, and he will be preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where he hopes to compete for America once again. Catching up with Shaine, he answered our questions about competing at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, becoming 2x American champion this year for Men’s 100m Butterfly and 200m Individual Medley and his further competitions over his career.

At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, you came away with two medals; how was it collecting your Silver medal for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley and what was the race like to be part of?

It was special because the 200 IM has been a long-term focus for me, and that race was one of the closest, most intense I’ve been in. I was only a few tenths off the American record and a former world record, so to be right there with the best in the world felt like validation for all the work I’ve been doing with Bob Bowman. Even though there’s always that competitive side that wants Gold, I walked away proud and motivated.

Having swam in the heats of the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, you won a Bronze medal with Team USA, how different do you find relays to individual events?

Relays have a totally different energy. You’re not just racing for yourself – you’re racing for your teammates and your country, and that extra layer of pride makes you dig a little deeper. It’s one of my favourite parts of the sport.

Can you tell us about your time competing at the USA Swimming Championships in June, where you became the 2025 American champion in the Men’s 100m Butterfly and Men’s 200m IM, and medalled in the 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly?

That meet was a big confidence boost. Winning two national titles and picking up medals in other events showed the versatility I’ve been working on is paying off. Those results set the tone for the rest of my season heading into the following seasons.

What do you enjoy most about racing at the USA Championships and how does it feel becoming an American champion?

The atmosphere is always intense – every race feels like a final because the depth of talent is so high. Becoming US National champion is something I’ll never take for granted. It’s a reminder that the standard in the US is elite, and staying at the top takes constant work.

How did you find the experience competing at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships (long course) in Doha, and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (short course) in Budapest, as the last and first major Championships before/after the Paris Olympics?

Doha was all about sharpening up before Paris – it gave me a sense of where I stood and what needed fine-tuning. Unfortunately, I was not where I wanted to be so that definitely was more of a wake-up call to get things straightened out leading into Olympic Trials.

On the contrary, Budapest felt like a fresh start after the Olympics, and it ended up being one of my best meets, setting an American record in the 200 IM and a world record in the 4×200 relay. A relief after the disappointment I felt in Paris.

What was it like winning individual Gold in Budapest in the Men’s 200m IM, and how did you stay focused throughout Championships where you won multiple medals?

That Gold meant a lot because it showed the work I put in after a tough Olympic experience was paying off. Staying focused was about keeping each swim in its own box – not getting too high or too low – and making sure recovery and preparation were dialled in.

How was it competing in the relay events in Doha and Budapest with your American teammates and seeing the U.S. top the medal table in Budapest?

The relays are some of the most fun and most pressure-filled races we do. To see Team USA top the medal table in Budapest was proof of how strong and deep our roster is.

You made your Olympic debut in Paris, how was it qualifying for the Olympics after your success at the U.S. Olympic Trials, and how did you prepare for the Games?

Qualifying was a dream I’d been chasing since I missed the team in 2021. Trials are brutal, so making it through was a huge relief and a proud moment. Preparation for the Games was about fine-tuning and keeping myself physically sharp and mentally ready for the Olympic stage.

What was it like staying in the athletes’ village and competing at the Paris La Défense Arena?

The village was surreal – you’re surrounded by the best athletes in every sport, and that energy is contagious. Racing at La Défense Arena with the crowd and atmosphere was unforgettable.

How was it representing Team USA at the Olympics and what are some of your favourite memories from your time in Paris?

Wearing the U.S. flag on my cap was the ultimate honour. My favourite memories were the moments outside the pool with teammates – celebrating, sharing meals, and taking in the full Olympic experience.

Can you share some further stand-out highlights from your career so far, and your favourite aspect of competing for Team USA around the world?

Winning my first national title in 2019, sweeping my events at NCAAs, my World title in Budapest, and medalling at multiple World Championships all stand out.

The best part of competing for Team USA is the pride and tradition – you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Having won numerous NCAA Championship medals, what are those events like to compete in?

Although it’s been quite some time since my last NCAA race, I still remember how intense it was. The team scoring adds another level of urgency, and every race matters. The energy is unmatched.

Where does your love of swimming come from and how did you get into the sport?

I always felt that I had a talent for swimming. I participated in many other sports but I ultimately pursued competitive swimming in the end.

Were there any sports competitors who inspired you when growing up, and do you have any favourite sports to watch?

My inspiration as a child was Michael Jordan and that continues to be a source of my motivation and inspiration. Outside of swimming, I enjoy watching most if not all other sports.

Have you received any advice over your sports career so far that has stuck with you?

“Control what you can control”.

What does a typical training day look like, and how has it changed over the years?

Now it’s more about quality than just piling on volume. I usually have two pool sessions, some dryland or lifting, and recovery work built in. The focus is on swimming smart, not just swimming more.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love music – DJing, producing – and I enjoy exploring Austin, hanging out with friends, and just relaxing.

Do you have any competitions coming up that you can tell us about or that you are targeting?

The World Cup series this fall is next, and everything is building toward the 2028 LA Olympics where I want to contend for greatness.

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