Professional swimmer from South Side chases worldwide goals

Though Milwaukee swimmer Emilio Perez, 22, has spent most of his life swimming at native swimming pools, he’s now targeted on constructing his profession and doubtlessly competing within the Olympics.

Currently, he’s coaching for a contest in Mexico in April, which is able to decide who earns a spot on the world championship crew. 

To put together himself, the Greenfield resident wakes at 5:30 a.m., walks his German shepherd, eats breakfast and heads to the YMCA in Mukwonago, the place he trains together with his swim coach, Bridget Carter. 

“He puts in the time and effort needed to be the best version of himself,” Carter stated. 

For Perez, the easiest way to remain constant is by displaying up on the times he doesn’t wish to and sacrificing household holidays to coach.

“There’s days in swimming where it’s boring, like when I have to do aerobic swim,” he stated. “If I give up two or three days of training, I can lose out on stuff that I’ve been working on for weeks.”

Perez additionally prepares by watching YouTube movies about utilizing particular vitality programs, creating zones and different swim methods. 

“I just want to understand how to use the water and not be one of those people that just slaps it as hard as they can,” he stated. “I’m definitely learning how to move smarter in the water.”

Path to success

Perez, who grew up on the South Side, discovered the way to swim at 5 after watching his three oldest siblings tackle the pastime. 

“I saw how my siblings swam and they just paved the way for me,” he stated. 

His brother, Enrique Perez, nonetheless coaches Emilio via practices and meets. Enrique stated he practices powerful love with Perez by not holding again on critiques and being blunt. 

“We’re both very understanding and want to see long-term success,” Enrique stated. “We don’t take things harsh or personally, so everything said is for the best.”

Taking time away

As a teen, Perez swam for the Southwest Aquatic Team at Wilson Pool after which for Greenfield High School. But he stop swimming throughout his freshman 12 months to play soccer and basketball.

“When I played football and basketball, everything was so much fun, even the conditioning,” he stated. “The things my teammates hated to do, I actually loved it.”

After sustaining a damaged ankle and torn ACL and meniscus, Perez discovered his approach again to the pool sophomore 12 months.

Enrique says he admires his brother’s pivot again to swimming. 

“From my perspective, I know that was a very hard choice to make, but I think it was a great example that if you love something, let it go. If it’s meant to be, then it’ll come back to you,” Enrique stated.

Breaking data

Throughout Perez’s swim journey, he discovered success typically. His highschool crew completed second through the 2021 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 1 State Swimming and Diving Championships, and he set two state data. 

That 12 months, he was named Athlete of the Year on the Journal Sentinel High School Sports Awards and WIAA Swimmer of the Year.

Taking it world

After highschool, Perez started to swim internationally, competing within the 2022 Campeonato Nacional de Invierno in Cancun and the 2024 Speedo Grand Prix in Guadalajara, his household’s hometown. He additionally competed on the 2023 and 2024 Kosuke Kitajima Cup in Japan.

“I got to swim in an Olympic games venue where the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was,” he stated. 

Perez has dual-citizenship within the U.S. and Mexico and hopes to characterize both nation on a world stage. As he works towards that objective, Perez is discovering different methods to make a residing as a swimmer. 

Swimming as a enterprise

Perez participated on a membership swim crew at McKendree University however realized assets after faculty are scarce.

“They don’t tell you that when you get out of college, you’re on your own,” he stated. “Swim doesn’t pay good monthly, so a lot of swimmers will have other jobs, especially when they are starting out.” 

By in search of alternatives and making connections with organizations, Perez is ready to preserve swimming.  

He is a part of Aquatics Ambassadors Milwaukee, an initiative of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. He even designing the group’s brand. 

In addition, he’s sponsored by A3 Performance, a swimwear model in Oconomowoc that works with Perez to create customized swim gear and offers different help. 

“I am also always looking for new opportunities to partner and work with others,” he stated. “It’s hard making a living on this.”

Becoming a coach

Aside from these actions, Perez coaches the Schroeder YMCA Swim Team, working one-on-one with swimmers on their method, coronary heart fee zones and different conditioning. 

He coached Carter’s oldest son after her household moved to Milwaukee from Delaware in 2022. 

“My son and others looked up to him,” she stated. “They had fun with him at practice and he communicated with these swimmers as a teammate, not just a coach.”

Milwaukee is all the time dwelling

In 2022, Perez educated with the Phoenix Swim Club in Arizona, then returned to Milwaukee after realizing he has satisfaction for the town

“I’m very big on being loyal,” Perez stated. “Milwaukee means so much to me because I was born and raised here, so it’s special.”

That humbleness and loyalty are a part of what makes Perez particular, Carter stated. 

“He is Emilio first and a swimmer second,” she stated.

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