Imagine the world’s fastest swimmers trading their lanes for a basketball court—sounds surreal, right? But that’s exactly what happened when nine of the globe’s top swimmers got a VIP experience with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls just days before the Westmont Stop of the World Cup. In a rare crossover of sports worlds, these aquatic superstars swapped their goggles for a glimpse into the life of six-time NBA champions. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about the photo ops. The Bulls’ Instagram post, captioned “Hosted some world-class swimmers from @world_aquatics at the practice facility today ✨,” hinted at a deeper connection between these elite athletes. But here’s where it gets controversial: should swimmers and basketball players ever cross-train? Could this inspire a new trend in athlete collaboration? Let’s dive in.
The “Notable Nine,” as they’re called, included heavyweights like Australia’s Kaylee McKeown and Mollie O’Callaghan, Canada’s Josh Liendo, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon, Switzerland’s Noe Ponti, Great Britain’s Adam Peaty, Hungary’s Hubert Kos, and the United States’ Regan Smith and Kate Douglass. These athletes, all committed to the full World Cup circuit, spent time with the Bulls organization and their iconic mascot, Benny the Bull. Originally, Summer McIntosh was set to join, but her withdrawal due to illness led to Peaty stepping in—a last-minute twist that kept the lineup star-studded.
Their journey so far? Nothing short of impressive. At the first World Cup stop, Douglass snagged three wins, trailing only Gretchen Walsh in the point standings. Smith shattered an American record in the 200 butterfly and outpaced McKeown in the 100 backstroke. Meanwhile, Kos dominated the backstroke events in Carmel, racking up a men’s point-leading 58.4 points. These swimmers aren’t just fast—they’re redefining what’s possible in the water.
Now, as the second stop of the World Aquatics World Cup approaches, kicking off Friday through Sunday at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois, the proximity to the Bulls’ training facility (just 20 miles away) feels almost symbolic. It’s as if these two worlds—aquatics and basketball—are colliding to remind us of the universal language of athleticism. But here’s the question: Could this crossover inspire swimmers to incorporate basketball drills into their training, or vice versa? And more importantly, should it?
What do you think? Is this just a fun PR stunt, or the beginning of a new era in athlete collaboration? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
