Swimming with the Dolphins
By: Keanu Agard
As the sun set over the village of Envigado, Julian Lopez walked along the pool deck of Club de Natación Envigado Colombia, unaware of the impact he would have at CSI in the future. After practice, he glanced at his phone and saw an email from Michael Ackalitis, CSI’s Swim and Dive Head Coach. The email contained his acceptance letter into CSI and the Swim Team.
From the pools of Colombia to the ones of the United States, CSI’s International Student Athlete Julian Lopez swims proudly with the Dolphins. Majoring in Marketing with a double minor in Finance and Data Analytics, computing time is never a challenge for him.
With times of 1:57.20 in the 200 Meter IM, 4:13.05 in the 400 Meter IM and 2:00.31 in the 200 Meter Back Stroke events, Lopez takes his marks and dives his way into success as he “just keeps swimming.”
“At CSI, swimming is different from back home in Medellin, Colombia, ” said Lopez. “But just being here in New York City, it gives me a sense of belonging and motivates me to keep on going.”
Despite the increasing challenges faced by international students in obtaining student visas, Julian remains focused on his goals at CSI. He acknowledges the difficulties some of his peers and aspiring athletes face, but uses his love for swimming and his sense of belonging in New York City as motivation to overcome any obstacles. Lopez is determined to make the most of his opportunity and represent both CSI and his home country with pride.
“It takes a lot of dedication, it’s a multiple-person effort from my parents, grandparents and even myself to have me be here at CSI,” said Lopez. “I’m here doing good things for myself, and still not knowing whether or not they will take away your visa, is very frustrating at times.”
“Julian has been working very hard; I know that he’s set some high personal goals for himself, and we want to see him bring home a medal at the championships and help the team achieve some new school records in the relays this season,” said Michael Ackalitis, CSI’s Swim and Dive Head Coach. “Our current expectations are to build on last year and set the standard for the rest to come.”
Lopez not only freestyles in the pool but also as the Content Creator Specialist for CSI’s Marketing club and the official CSI Instagram page. With mini vlogs and insights into the world of marketing and finance, his many videos can be found on the Official CSI Instagram page, gathering a number of likes and views.
With his foot in the door Lopez continues to focus on his future as he’s had many successful experiences with companies such as JP Morgan and Wells Fargo and is currently a Student Ambassador for New York Job CEO Council (NYJCC).
With the swim season having begun for the CSI Dolphins on Oct 4th, Lopez is expected to be on the starting blocks for the 200 and 400 Meter IM, 200 Meter Breast Stroke, 500 Meter Freestyle and many relays, hopefully making the podium and making his fellow Dolphins proud.
As for the future, Lopez aspires to continue his studies at CSI, excelling academically while also trying his best to keep those flip turns as tight as possible and his eyes fixed on the T marker indicating that the wall is near. With his graduation date set for 2027, he wishes to achieve a lot here at CSI.
“This season, I’d like to achieve 1:55.20 in the 200 Meter IM, 4:09.05 in the 400 Meter IM, and 1:58.31 in the 200 Meter Back Stroke,” said Lopez. “This would be the highlight of my season.”
