With his stunning victory in the 50-meter freestyle at the World Championships in March 2007, Ben Wildman-Tobriner gained recognition as a new threat in swimming’s most exciting race.

At the same meet, Ben also earned a gold medal in the 400m free relay. These medals, combined with a gold medal in the 400m free relay in 2005, bring his World Championships gold medal count to three. These victories followed a college career that included 20 All-American honors, an American record in the 50-yard free, a national championship, and a coveted position on the USA Swimming National “A” team.

Known among his teammates as a focused athlete who is always able to swim fast when it counts most, the San Francisco native has a promising career in front of him. For now he has his sights set on Beijing in 2008 for his first shot at Olympic medals.

A member of the Stanford University Class of 2007, Ben is postponing medical school so that he can stay in the Bay Area and continue to train with coaches Skip Kenney and Ted Knapp. When he isn’t in the pool, Wildman-Tobriner enjoys golf, photography, and playing guitar.

Transcending Sport
An Academic All-American at Stanford, Ben received a degree in Biomechanical Engineering and is currently applying to medical school.

Ben believes that every child, regardless of income, should have the opportunity to have a high quality education and learn to swim and to compete. In high school, Ben trained at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco and continues to volunteer at the clubs. Ben’s sister, Becky, recently started a USA Swimming club team at the Boys & Girls Club. As he furthers his own swimming career, Ben plans to give back to the Boys and Girls Club and help the sport of swimming become more accessible to the children of San Francisco.

Personal
Ben’s parents are Stephanie and Michael. He is the younger of two children. His sister, Becky, coaches at the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco.