Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Champaign County YMCA’s Charles Medlin has committed to the University of Illinois at Chicago for the fall of 2026.
I am so proud and honored to announce my commitment to the University of Illinois Chicago. I would like to thank my parents, family, and teammates for their constant support, as well as the coaches, Danny and Ashley, for this wonderful opportunity. Most importantly, I would like to express my gratitude to God for continuing to bless me every day. I’m very excited to spend the next 4 years at UIC. Fire up flames!🔥
Medlin raced in three events at the Speedo Winter Juniors Championships in Austin to close out his 2025 season. He clocked lifetime bests in all three of those races. He finished 42nd in the 50 freestyle in 20.52 and placed 45th in both the 100 free and 100 butterfly, touchingin 45.05 and 48.95, respectively.
As a junior at Schlarman Academy, Medlin finished 10th in the 100 free at the 2025 IHSA Boys State Championship, clocking 45.78. He also touched 11th in the 50 free, stopping the clock in 20.92. Medlin will compete at the IHSA Boys State Championships on February 27th.
He also boasts a fastest 200 free time of 1:42.61 from the 2025 WTC Holiday Championship, and a 200 fly time of 1:54.75 from the 2025 Erin Block Memorial Invitational in October.
Best Times SCY:
- 50 Free: 20.52
- 100 free: 45.05
- 200 Free: 1:42.61
- 100 Fly: 48.95
- 200 Fly: 1:54.75
- 100 Back: 51.76
The UIC men finished 4th last season at the Missouri Valley Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships, where they finished just 49 points behind Missouri State.
Based on Medlin’s best times, he would have tied for 13th in the 50 free, finished 15th in the 100 free, and qualified for the ‘B’ final in the 100 fly at those championships.
Medlin has logged a best time in all of his primary events in 2025, and still has some time to improve upon those in early 2026 before he joins the UIC men’s program.
He also makes for a potential contender to be used on both medley and free relays, as he also holds a best 50 fly time of 22.27 from a dual meet in December.
Medlin joins Braden Nagel, Ben Nonaka, Calvin Schaper, and Lukas Avitia in UIC’s 2026 men’s recruiting class.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
