Who Are Thomas Heilman’s Parents and Siblings? Everything You Need To Know About the Swimming Sensation

At just 17, Thomas Heilman is smashing records and seizing every opportunity. His defining moment came in June when he clinched second place in the men's 100-meter butterfly at the 2024 Olympic Swimming Trials and secured his ticket to the Paris Olympics. But wait, it wasn't as simple as it seems! What made his achievement even more outstanding and praiseworthy was shattering a two-decade-old record once held by the legendary Michael Phelps .

He is the youngest male Olympic swimmer since Phelps, who made the Sydney Games at just 15 years old. Thomas previously eclipsed the decorated Olympian's 15-16 National Age Group record in the 200-meter fly at last year's Phillips 66 National Championships. He finished second with a time of 1:54.54. Despite his stellar achievements, he maintains a low profile, rarely sharing glimpses of his life on social media. All through this stellar journey, the 17-year-old has found a guiding compass his in family – his pillars of strength and competition.

All about Thomas Heilman's dad and mom Thomas Heilman comes from a strong sporting lineage. His grandfather was a footballer at Iowa State, and his mother played basketball at Holy Cross. Born on February 7, 2007, in Crozet, Virginia, to Brad and Carrie, Thomas has inherited athletic genes. His mother reveals via Swimswam that they signed their kids up for activities every year but remained hands-off, letting them do their thing. Without much experience in swimming themselves, Carrie reveals all she did and could do was be supportive – no critiques.

Thomas found success in swimming as early as 10 years old with the Nation Age Group record in the 10o-yard butterfly. From then till now, Heliman has broken over 25 NAGs, including 14 of them in 13-14 age group. Through all that Carrie says the family kept it low-key, grounded, and saw Thomas as just a normal school-going teenager. But that wouldn't stop commentators from often drawing comparisons between him and Michael Phelps very early into his career.

"I think it's fair to say I'm on a similar trajectory as Phelps, but it's hard to know where I will end up," said Heilman. "I have my own expectations and try not to compare myself to others. However, I believe I share his competitiveness and dislike for losing." To this, his father gave his perspective saying, "That quality has always been there, his family will tell you."

Thomas has three siblings: two older brothers, Jason and Matthew, as well as a younger sister named Katherine. "He sets goals for himself, he always has since he was young," said Brad. But he got his competitive spirit from his brother Matthew, who has been a constant source of challenge and inspiration. While Thomas shines in swimming, he respects and draws motivation from Matthew's talent, creating a supportive yet competitive dynamic between them.

As their dad puts it, 'There were many times when they were younger where Thomas had to push to try to beat them, and every milestone was a competition.' Matthew, who is just three years older, has also achieved much success.

Heilman's renowned swimming star brother Like Thomas, Matthew Heilman's achievements in swimming are outstanding. Having clinched an individual state title in the 200 IM with an impressive time of 1:51.45 and secured second place in the 100 breaststroke at championships back in 2022. He also played a crucial role on the victorious 200-free relay and the second-place 400-free relay teams. Matthew showcased his talent at the Speedo Winter Junior Championships East in December 2022, qualifying for the C Final in the 200 breast and finishing 22nd overall.

In the 2023-2024 season, Matthew continued to raise the bar. He achieved a personal best time of 3:47.85 to triumph in the 400 IM at the Cavalier Invite. Matthew's achievements extend beyond the pool; he was celebrated as the Most Improved Returning Male Athlete at his annual banquet and received academic accolades, including selection to the College Sports Communicators' Academic All-District team and ACC All-Academic recognition. Do you believe this family is brimming with talent? What are your thoughts on Thomas's potential to shine in Paris? Share your comments below!