Brothers reunited: Robert and Toma Adam discover their approach again to the identical pool

Competing at a Division I degree in swimming is extremely uncommon. Just 3.3% of male highschool swimmers and 4.2% of feminine highschool swimmers earn the chance. 

The odds of two brothers not solely reaching that degree, but in addition ending up on the identical Division I group, are even slimmer. 

For Robert and Toma Adam, nonetheless, the inconceivable has turn into a actuality. 

The brothers grew up swimming aspect by aspect in Romania. Now, after taking completely different paths by means of school swimming, they’re teammates as soon as once more at Seton Hall.

Robert, a junior, transferred to SHU this yr from Milligan University, and joined his older brother Toma, a senior, as a Pirate.

But lengthy earlier than they turned collegiate swimmers, they have been simply two brothers studying to swim.

Robert and Toma began swimming at ages 4 and 6, respectively, whereas rising up in Romania. When requested what drew them to the game, although, the brothers had completely different responses.

“It all started with our mom, who was very passionate about swimming,” Robert stated. “She was into swimming, and she didn’t have the opportunity to do it professionally, but she got an opportunity to bring us into this sport, so she enjoys swimming through us.”

Toma, nonetheless, started swimming for well being causes.

“I was an asthma suspect, so the doctor recommended me to try swimming because it helps, and it did,” Toma stated. 

Before lengthy, the Adams’ coach seen their potential, Toma stated.

“The coach was telling our parents that we’re doing pretty good, so we liked it, and we kept going,” Toma stated.

As the brothers bought older, swimming advanced from an exercise into a way of life. Practices began at 5:30 a.m., adopted by college, lifting, one other swim and homework. Despite the early mornings and demanding schedule, the brothers bear in mind these years fondly.

“Swimming was not just coming to practice, do the practice, and leave,” Robert stated. “I remember a lot of good memories. ”

But when Toma entered highschool at 15, he started to query his future within the sport. 

“When I was 15, I was considering quitting because I really didn’t feel like doing it anymore,” Toma stated. “I was not seeing the fun in it anymore. It was more draining, but it was also the mental state I was in back then.”

But there was one factor that saved him going: Robert.

“But since Robert was going and we were commuters and I didn’t have my driver’s license, how was I supposed to do that?” Toma stated. “So because of him, I wanted to keep going. I had to keep going with it, too. And I got over it. It was just a phase, and it passed.”

Toma continued to excel all through his highschool profession, finally committing to SHU and making the troublesome determination to go away Romania for school within the United States.

“When I got here, everything was different,” Toma stated. “But I was integrating very well and getting used to everything quickly, and everything was a pleasure. I was so excited. I was so happy. The team was so nice. I was getting along great with everyone.”

At SHU, Toma shortly established himself.

He helped lead the Pirates to a Big East title, set a faculty document within the 400 freestyle in 2025 and earned a third-place end within the 50 freestyle on the 2026 Big East Championships.

While Toma was constructing his profession in New Jersey, Robert was paying attention to his brother’s success and contemplating whether or not he would observe in his brother’s footsteps and relocate to the United States.

“After he came to America, I was even more locked in to come here,” Robert stated. “I was getting feedback from him, and he was telling me how it is, and I heard only good stuff. That made me even more motivated to train harder.”

Robert finally dedicated to Milligan University in Elizabethton, Tennessee, the place he shortly made his personal mark, ending second within the 200 particular person medley on the 2025 NAIA National Championships and fifth within the occasion on the 2026 championships.

For some time, the brothers had established separate lives and careers in American school swimming. 

Then, only a few months in the past, all the pieces modified. Robert acquired a suggestion to swim at SHU. The alternative meant shifting from NAIA to Division I and rejoining his brother within the pool.

“Coming from NAIA to Division I, it’s been a big achievement for me,” Robert stated. “I know the conference is faster and the swimming team overall is faster, and I’m excited. I’m happy to see that there are people that are as fast or even faster than me. They can push me, and that’s a good thing.” 

Robert was additionally drawn to the group tradition he had heard a lot about from Toma.

“I know the swimming culture here is incredible,” Robert stated. “The team was very excited to meet me in person, and I feel like I belong to the team and they like me as a person.” 

The SHU swim and dive group started apply this week, and Robert’s arrival has been an enormous speaking level amongst the group. 

“Our teammates were excited, and they’ve been asking me about him since last spring when they found out he’s going to come,” Toma stated. “They were so eager to meet him, and now that he’s here, they keep comparing our looks. They say, ‘You guys look the same. You guys talk the same way.’ You know, everyone has their own opinion on that, and it’s fun.”

For the brothers, although, being teammates once more is about extra than simply having a well-recognized face round.

Robert and Toma hope their journey may also help younger swimmers in Romania perceive each the alternatives and challenges that include attending school within the United States.

“Everyone has their own goals they want to pursue in life, but we felt like it was our responsibility to at least let them know that here is a good way to go,” Toma stated.

It’s been a very long time coming, however the Adams brothers are again collectively.

Now, with one last season collectively, they’ve their eyes on the larger image—and, maybe most significantly, one another.

“I definitely enjoy watching Toma live from the pool deck, rather than on a livestream,” Robert stated. “I’m even more excited being here because he’s one of the people that I enjoy most watching, and I’m happiest when I see him swimming.”

William Gilhooly is an assistant editor of The Setonian’s Sports part. He will be reached at william.gilhooly@pupil.shu.edu.