In September, a soaring swimming star verbally pledged to the University of Notre Dame. Jack Armour, who holds expertise in the 100-meter breaststroke event and was recently spotted at a US Olympic training center, decided to join the university in 2025. Apart from Armour, 16-year-old Claire Weinstein, who is currently representing the United States at the 2023 Swimming World Cup, has also pledged to the University of California, Berkeley

In light of this update, an athlete who secured several accolades for the United States at the World Junior Championship has shaken hands with Virginia University. Following in the footsteps of Virginia swimmers Kate Douglass and Gretchen Walsh, this young athlete recently announced an exciting swimming promise for fall 2025.

Madi Mintenko announces a surprising swimming update

On October 19, SwimmingWorld posted an update on Madi Mintenko on X. According to the tweet, “Madi Mintenko, World Juniors Gold Medalist Sends 2025 Verbal to Virginia,” The athlete who is a junior at Pine Creek High School will join the public university in the fall of 2025. After this decision, the athlete told the media, “I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Virginia.”

Further, while highlighting her support from coaches, the swimmer who trains with Pikes Peak Athletics added, “A special thanks to George and Anna Heidinger at Pikes Peak for creating an environment that I and others can thrive in. GO HOOS!” This decision by the Colorado Springs native comes after Mintenko secured two wins at the World Junior Championship.

Madi Mintenko’s win at the Junior Championship

In the World Junior Championship, Mintenko joined the forces of Team USA to secure two accolades at the event. In the 4x200m relay race, the athlete won gold, followed by silver in the 400m freestyle event. Additionally, the swimmer also set a new meet record at the Junior Nationals held in August.

In the 200-meter freestyle race of the event, the swimmer stood atop the podium in 1:58.07. With this time, the athlete also set a new personal best time and was moved up to No. 7 all-time in the 15–16 age category of swimmers.

Also read: In an Unexpected Turn of Events, Kristof Milak Disappoints Sporting Community 24 Hours Before Swimming World Cup 2023

During her high school journey, Madi Minteko continues to achieve many extraordinary wins under her belt. Hopefully, after joining the swim team of Virginia, the athlete will maintain her form and add NCAA records to her ever-growing hall of fame.

Watch this story: As Simone Biles and Michael Phelps’ Work Towards Mental Health, Another Rising Gymnast Breaks Silence on Self-Care in Sports