
12 September 2025
#68 We Pay. They Podium. — How U.S. Clubs and Colleges Train the World’s Olympians
A Think First Podcast with Jim Detjen
About
America’s college sports system is the best in the world — but who’s really reaping the rewards? In swimming, more than 15% of NCAA athletes are foreign, with some top programs like University of Florida running over 60% international rosters. These athletes train in U.S. clubs, compete for U.S. schools, and then take their peak performance home — winning Olympic medals for other countries. Add in new roster limits from House v. NCAA and the squeeze on American athletes becomes even tighter. In this episode, we unravel the gaslighting and poetic truths behind college sports, Olympic pipelines, and why the service academies may be the last guaranteed lane for U.S. swimmers.
Support the show
Stay sharp. Stay skeptical. #SpotTheGaslight
Read and reflect at Gaslight360.com/clarity