The Ripple Effect
The impact of one person makes waves.
The Swim with Mike Foundation changes the lives of many
by spreading hope, inspiring courage, and providing the
gift of education to physically challenged athletes.
Join the team today!
Join Us!
At the 44th Annual Swim With Mike - April 5, 2025
Click below to register for the 44th celebration
on April 5, 2025
44th Swim with mike celebrationClick here for 44th parking instructions
A special thanks from our recipients. Click here to view. ->
Harnessing the Power of the Ripple Effect
Our commitment to physically challenged athletes is to ensure that these individuals have the resources and support to thrive, and have an equitable and promising future. Our differences are our strengths, and together, we impact many.
After a dirt-biking accident left All-American swimmer Mike Nyeholt paralyzed in 1981, Swim With Mike Foundation co-founders Mike and Ron turned tragedy into triumph. Together, with the help of fellow USC swimming teammates and generous donors, they have changed the lives of 310 scholarship recipients who have attended 157 universities across 47 states nationwide since Swim With Mike’s inception.
“The mission of Swim with Mike Foundation is to change the lives of student athletes who have experienced catastrophic injury or illness by providing scholarships, creating community and instilling hope and purpose.”
A drop, a ripple, a wave—join us, you can literally change a life. Together, we can do so much.
-Ron Orr
"Swim with Mike introduced me to a special community."
university of san diego '26
The Class of 2024-2025
Tragedy is not what defines lives, it is the hope, inspiration, and competitive spirit that define the scholarship recipients in the Swim with Mike Foundation family. Each of our scholarship recipients are on a journey to reach their full potential by pursuing their professional passions, athleticism, and personal goals through the university experience.
Recipient StoriesBuilding the Wave of Impact Nationwide
40+ YEARS IN THE MAKING
A ripple in the pool by one swimmer magnifies to a wave with a team. The wave of impact the Swim with Mike Foundation has built through the help of donors, volunteers, and alumni recipients over 40 years offers a unique opportunity for physically challenged student-athletes to join a family of support while pursuing education and recreating a future after life-altering accident or illness.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT CONTINUES TO EXPAND
Creating a difference in one life impacts all of those around that person: family, friends, and teammates. The Ripple Effect magnifies as the outreach grows.
Donate to the Cause
The gift of education offers physically challenged student-athletes a unique opportunity to start a fresh chapter in their lives. Often light comes after adversity, and your gift illuminates
a path forward.
Make a donation today!
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Apply for a Scholarship
Education empowers recipients to achieve self-sufficiency and to define and refocus their lives. We encourage student-athletes who have experienced catastrophic injury or illness to apply for a scholarship, and join the Swim with Mike community.
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Start a Fundraising Campaign
Create a wave of support by building your own campaign. Recruit and inspire others to join you to magnify the impact of the Ripple Effect. Start with an idea, spread the word, and change a life!
BeginSee the impact we’ve made together
44
Years
$30
Million
310
Recipients
156
Universities
47
States
In The News
Alum Natalie Buchoz in Orange County Magazine
SWM Alum and Orange County resident Natalie Buchoz is featured in the March 2025 edition of Orange Coast Magazine.
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Ian Malesiewski - No Sad Stories
As a 16-year-old and ascending in the sports of wrestling and football, Ian Malesiewski broke his neck while wrestling at the United States World Team Trials. He went on to complete his junior and senior years in high school in one year, graduate at the top of his class at the University of Miami as a neuroscience major, and was accepted to Harvard Law School. Watch the video "No Sad Stories - Ian Malesiewski."
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Mike Nyeholt Hero of the Game
Swim with Mike Co-Founder and namesake receives the Hero of the Game Award at the USC-Wisconsin game on September 28, 2024, before a cheering crowd of 74,118.
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