Carnegie Mellon swimmer Justin Britton wins second Elite 90

Three years and a lot of change separated a pair of similar moments for Carnegie Mellon swimmer Justin Britton.

The senior received the NCAA Elite 90 Award last week at the Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Indianapolis. He was surprised with the honor at his team's area of the natatorium during a break in the first day of competition. Britton also received the Elite 90 Award as a sophomore in 2019, the last time that championship was held. Then, he was recognized at a banquet.

"I think there's been a lot that has changed," Britton said, speaking both personally and of the world around him.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Division III Swimming and Diving Championships. Like many, Britton wondered if he'd ever get back to the event he and his peers set their sights on each year. Getting there and receiving the Elite 90 Award again prompted Britton to reflect on his student-athlete journey.

"I think I have more confidence now in my studies, in my work experience and even in my swimming," said Britton, who placed sixth in the 100-yard backstroke to earn All-America honors, finished 10th in the 100 butterfly and 11th in the 200 backstroke, and swam in multiple relays for Carnegie Mellon. "It's great to even be back here and have another NCAA championship, but winning the Elite 90 Award again is just a huge honor. I just know how many amazing student-athletes there are, so it's a great honor and privilege."

The NCAA Elite 90 Award recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring individuals who have reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in their sport while also achieving the highest academic standard among their peers. The award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site at each of the NCAA's championships.

Britton, a fifth-year senior with a 4.0 GPA in information systems, said the award represents "a lot of hard work and also just being pushed by so many around me to be well-balanced and pursue greatness."

The Falls Church, Virginia, native has earned several honors for his academic and swimming achievements. Multiple times, he's been named an Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America anda Scholar All-American by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America. In the pool, Britton broke and reset several school records.

Britton said he's found that swimming and academics "complement each other" in a way that's allowed him success in both areas.

"I think having a structured swim practice every day just helps me have a clear mind when I go back to studying. I think it also can just be a great break from the stress of school," he said. "Being in classes with my friends and having great professors that have been super accommodating, supportive and cheered me on has been super helpful. I think just studying what I love, it makes it so much easier to have a really hard schedule."

At one point, Britton said he was doubtful he could get into Carnegie Mellon, let alone swim in college. Now on the tail end of his collegiate experience, he said he's beyond thankful for those at the school who saw potential in him, particularly head coach Matt Kinney.

"I've tried to take advantage of it," Britton said of the opportunity.

In addition to his perfect grades and strong performance in the pool, Britton has experienced several internships as a software engineer at Capital One, the Software Engineering Institute and Appian.

"Being at Carnegie Mellon has opened so many doors for me, in terms of careers," said Britton, who wants to work in software development after college. "I've gotten some great internships, and I attribute that to Carnegie Mellon being on the resume and also being an NCAA athlete.

"I feel like I've learned so much discipline from managing everything, being a student-athlete, a swimmer, pursuing internships and jobs. I think I can handle a lot now, and I know how to be disciplined and work hard."