Thomas Heilman’s rapid rise in American swimming has drawn attention not just for his incredible performances in the pool, but also for the strong support system behind him. Born into a family with deep athletic roots, the young swimmer’s journey has been shaped by his parents’ steady guidance and competitive spirit. And from chasing milestones set by his older brothers to being raised in a home where sports were second nature, Thomas’s story begins with the people who know him best…

Who is Thomas Heilman’s Father?

Thomas Heilman comes from a very athletic family. Back in the day, his grandfather was a footballer for Iowa State. His mother Carrie also played basketball at Holy Cross. Born on February 7, 2007, in Crozet, Virginia, to Brad and Carrie, Thomas has inherited athletic genes.

Thomas Heilman’s father is Brad Heilman. He is mainly referenced in public profiles as Thomas’s father and a key support figure in his athletic journey, although further personal or professional details are not widely published.

Heilman’s father, Brad, said Thomas’ siblings are all good athletes who like to compete. As per Crozette Gazette, he said, “One of the biggest things for Thomas his whole life has been trying to keep up with his older brothers, particularly Matthew [3 years older, who swims for UVA]. There were many times when they were younger where Thomas had to push to try to beat them, and every milestone was a competition.”

Who is Thomas Heilman’s Mother?

Thomas’ mother, Carrie Heilman, is a former college basketball player at Holy Cross. She holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from Purdue University and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. Additionally, she plays a role in athletics advisory at UVA.

His mother revealed to Swimswam that they signed their kids up for activities every year but remained hands-off, allowing them to pursue their interests. Without much swimming experience themselves, Carrie shared that all she could do was provide support.

What is Thomas Heilman’s Parents’ Nationality?

Both Brad and Carrie Heilman are American, hailing from Virginia. They are U.S. citizens and raised Thomas in Crozet, Virginia. Thomas also has three siblings, two older brothers, Jason and Matthew, as well as a younger sister named Katherine. Matthew is a competitive swimmer as well, and both of them represent America.

Now Thomas recently clocked a time of 50.78 – 2025 (Cavalier Aquatics). Having achieved several sub-51 swims, Heilman entered the final as a favorite to secure his spot at the 2025 World Championships. He narrowly missed qualifying after finishing in 3rd place in the 200 butterfly on Tuesday. Additionally, he competed in last night’s final of the 50 butterfly, where he placed 7th with a personal best time of 23.57 seconds.

As Thomas Heilman continues to chase his dreams on the international stage, it’s clear that the foundation built by Brad and Carrie Heilman plays a major role in his success. With talent, discipline, and a strong support system behind him, the 14-year-old remains one of the brightest young stars in American swimming.