Meet Hayes Johnson: Five Questions with Youth Inc.'s Swimming Ambassador

Hayes Johnson is a former elite swimmer who competed at the University of Texas, on the national stage, and in the U.S. Olympic Trials. After his swimming career, Hayes transitioned into business and is now the President of Swimmingly, a company that helps manage swim meets more efficiently through technology. He also continues to push his competitive edge, racing in triathlons as a member of Team Octagon Elite.

We asked him five questions about youth sports, life advice, and more.

1. What’s your favorite youth sports memory?

Being on relays at the Louisville Boat Club during city meets will always stand out. Individual races were fun, but nothing compared to relays with your best friends from summer teams. These were kids you didn’t always swim with during the year-round season, but in summer league the excitement was different. The pool deck and stands were packed with families and friends from across the city. The cheering was unmatched. Short, fun races, even lining up against friends on other summer teams that you would cross paths with during the year-round season. It was competitive, but it was pure joy and excitement you wouldn’t always get at big meets.

2. Who has been the most influential person or coach in your life? 

My coaches at Nashville Aquatic Club, John Morse and Jeremy Organ, made a lasting impact. They taught me to show up every day, to be consistent, and to set an example for teammates. They showed me how to lead even when things weren’t going well and how smiling through challenges (hard sets, rough meets) can lift up everyone around you. Later at Texas, Eddie Reese and Kris Kubik built on those lessons. I wasn’t the fastest swimmer on the team at the University of Texas, but I learned that culture is built through simple acts, day in and day out. Thanking your coaches, encouraging your teammates in tough sets, and including everyone on the team. You never know what someone might be going through. That kind of culture set Texas apart in the best way.

3. What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your sport that has shaped your life?

Consistency always wins. It is not about one incredible performance or one amazing day. It is about making small, good choices over and over. Show up. Encourage your teammates. Do the next right thing. The results will take care of themselves.

4. What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?

Have fun and smile. Be present in every practice and every competition. Always thank your coaches and your parents. Remember that it is a privilege to play sports. Take care of your body with good sleep and good food. Try other sports. And know that your value as a person will never be tied to the time you go in the pool.

5. What is a motto or belief that you live by?

Love what you are doing. Love who you are doing it with. Love who you are doing it for.

More from Hayes Johnson

Hayes is the President of Swimmingly, a mobile-based platform that streamlines swim meet operations. Check out the Swimmingly website, Instagram, Facebook, or X to learn more.

Hayes now competes in triathlons with Team Octagon Elite. Hayes has shared posts on social media from his triathlon events.

Check out Hayes' swimming bio from the University of Texas here.

He also joined the Fittest Dad I Know podcast.

Follow Hayes on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.