Jay and his brothers Mick and Kevin are triplets. They were born in Osaka, Japan, to a Japanese mother and a New Zealand father. The family moved to Dubai before settling in the United States in 1999. They lived in California and Florida before finally moving to Georgia.

The brothers hold three passports: American, Japanese, and New Zealand. Swimming became a way for them to make friends as they moved around. Jay's brothers initially tried to qualify for the Olympics for New Zealand, but Jay had already represented the USA internationally.

Swimming Journey

Jay's parents encouraged him and his brothers to take up swimming to strengthen their lungs. "We just loved the pool," Jay recalls. They had a pool in their backyard in California and took swim lessons after moving to Miami.

Jay trains with fellow US swimmer Chase Kalisz at the Athens Bulldog Swim Club in Georgia. He is also part of the Dynamo Swim Club in Atlanta, GA, under coach Ian Murray.

Achievements

Jay's dedication paid off when he won a silver medal in the 400m individual medley at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He credits his Japanese relatives for their support. "I felt their energy and power in that last 100 metres," he said.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Jay aims to continue competing at the highest level. His training regimen remains rigorous as he prepares for upcoming competitions. With his family's support and his own determination, Jay is poised for more success.

Jay Litherland's journey from a young swimmer to an Olympic medallist is inspiring. His story highlights the importance of family support and perseverance in achieving one's goals.