Greenville Swimmer to Compete in U.S. Olympic Trials
Lilla Bognar, a rising senior at Eastside High School in Greenville, is gearing up to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Bognar, a member of the Team Greenville swim team, has already committed to the University of Florida after her graduation in 2025, where she plans to pursue a career in pediatrics. Her remarkable work ethic has earned her a spot as a U.S. Olympic Trials finalist, setting her on the path to potentially represent her country in the upcoming Olympics in Paris from July 26 to August 11.
Competing Against the Best
Bognar will be participating in four events at the trials – the 200-meter individual medley, the 400-meter IM, the 200-meter backstroke, and the 400-meter butterfly. Despite her modesty in considering herself a “regular kid,” Bognar’s dedication and talent have set her apart in the world of competitive swimming.
“Obviously making an Olympic team would be the dream. If not this year, in 2028,” Bognar said, highlighting her long-term aspirations in the sport. She aims to give her best performance in college, create lasting memories with her teammates, and continue to pursue her passion for swimming.
A Family Affair
Bognar’s journey in swimming has been nurtured by her family, particularly her parents, Istvan and Kim. Kim, who swam competitively in Ireland as a child, introduced her children to the sport. For the Bognar family, swimming was never solely about competition, but also about finding balance and tranquility in the water.
“Kids … they have a lot of stress, generally, trying to figure out life,” Istvan said. “And what we found early with our kids is when they were acting up or they were unhappy … if we threw them in the water, all of a sudden, they’d be better. It would kind of calm them down.”
Training Day in and Day out
Bognar’s rigorous training schedule exemplifies her commitment to the sport. Her days typically start at 4:45 a.m. to make it to Team Greenville practice on time. After morning practice, she heads to school, followed by another training session in the afternoon. Balancing academics, athletics, and competition, Bognar exemplifies the dedication required to excel at the highest level in swimming.
In addition to her training routine, Bognar has traveled to compete in swim meets around the world, including the recent World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Her passion for swimming is shared by her siblings, with whom she has found both camaraderie and competition in the pool.
Looking Ahead
As Bognar prepares to take on the U.S. Olympic Trials, her focus remains on giving her best performance and enjoying the journey, regardless of the outcome. With the support of her family, coaches, and teammates, Bognar’s dedication and talent have positioned her as a rising star in the world of competitive swimming.
Stay tuned as Lilla Bognar represents Greenville on the national stage at the U.S. Olympic Trials, showcasing the hard work and passion that define her journey in the sport.
