Lilly King turned down money to stay in school.
After winning two gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, King had the chance to turn pro and cash in on her international success. She didn’t. She wanted to honor her commitment to her team and to IU.
But after capping off her career by becoming the winningest female breaststroker in NCAA history, her time at IU is over.
"It’s good, I can use my name, image and likeness in any way I’d like now,” King said after her college career ended at the NCAA Championships.
King is taking advantage of her own likeness, signing with TYR Sport.
“Partnering with TYR is a seamless transition from my college career to officially going pro, as they have been an instrumental part of my past four years at Indiana University,” King said in a press release. “Together, we will promote a clean sport for athletes and create an opportunity for all kids to learn how to swim. I’m humbled by TYR’s investment in me and look forward to growing the sport together.”
King will be joining some of the biggest names in swimming as part of TYR Sport, including fellow Hoosier and close friend Cody Miller. World record holders Katie Ledecky, Ryan Lochte and Simone Manuel are also sponsored by TYR Sport.
“Lilly King is a world-class athlete, and we are excited to watch her achieve her goals as a professional swimmer,” Matt DiLorenzo, CEO of TYR Sport said in the release. “Lilly’s competitive nature perfectly aligns with TYR’s core brand values, and we are proud to add her to the TYR family. As a brand, we look forward to collaborating with Lilly on technical products that will help her leave her mark on history.”
King is currently in Singapore preparing for the 2019 World Championships in late July. King set the world record in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2017 World Championships. She’s had her sights set on breaking her own world record for months and on setting a world record in the 200-meter breaststroke.
