Olympic Swimmer Cedric Buessing Finds Family at UIndy

German swimmer Cedric Buessing, a standout at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy), has leveraged his Division II student-athlete experience to become an Olympian. Buessing, who graduated with a degree in business administration and management, is believed to be the first Division II swimmer to reach an Olympic final, placing eighth in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2024 Paris Games.

Buessing’s success is a testament to his work ethic and the close-knit community he found at UIndy. Though he initially struggled with English, he communicated his dedication through notes and translated workouts. His coach, Brent Noble, described him as “really special,” noting that Buessing’s intentionality and talent set him apart.

The support system at UIndy was a primary reason Buessing chose the school, and he quickly found a second family among his teammates. “We live together, we eat together, we swim together,” Buessing said, emphasizing the strong bonds he formed. The UIndy team dynamic was further strengthened when his younger brother, Silas, joined him at the school, creating a healthy rivalry that pushed both of them to improve.

Buessing’s journey highlights the benefits of the U.S. collegiate system, which he said is more interconnected than in his home country. His experience not only prepared him for the Olympics but also provided him with an education and a network of support that will serve him as he pursues a career as an accountant and trains for another Olympic cycle.