Review: 2018 Golden Goggle Awards at the Sheraton in New York City (Includes interview and first-hand account)

Katie Ledecky and Ryan Murphy took home the most prestigious awards, being named “Female Athlete of the Year” and “Male Athlete of the Year” respectively. Murphy was the night’s biggest winner, sweeping all three categories he was nominated in.

Michael Andrew

Gary Hahn

19-year-old swimmer and four-time 2018 national champion Michael Andrew was named “Breakout Performer of the Year,” and Stanford University’s Greg Meehan took home his second consecutive “Coach of the Year” win.

Swimmers posing with Coach Jack Meehan

Gary Hahn

Swimmer Micah Sumrall triumphed with the “Perseverance Award,” and the Men’s 4 × 100 meter medley relay (comprised of Ryan Murphy, Andrew Wilson, Caeleb Dressel, and Nathan Adrian) claimed the “Relay Performance of the Year.”

Kevin Cordes, Chase Kalisz and Ryan Murphy at the 2018 Golden Goggle Awards

Gary Hahn

Kathleen Baker’s 100 meter backstroke race at the 2018 Phillips 66 National Championships was named “Female Race of the Year,” where she set a world record, and Ryan Murphy’s 100 meter backstroke at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships was named “Male Race of the Year.”

Andrew Wilson at the Golden Goggle Awards red carpet

Gary Hahn

Kaitlin Sandeno

World champion and four-time Olympic medalist swimmer Kaitlin Sandeno was present at the ceremony, and she co-hosted the red carpet along with Cullen Jones, who is also a four-time Olympic medalist (two gold medals, two silver medals for Team USA). “I was honored to be there,” Sandeno said. “There were such great energy and vibes. It’s always such a fabulous event. I love getting to see everyone all dressed up and to be able to celebrate a strong Pan Pac Team.”

Kaitlin Sandeno

Don Le

Sandeno continued, “I loved co-hosting with Cullen Jones. Cullen and I go way back, so it’s awesome to do the hosting with someone I feel so comfortable with and have a great rapport with.”

Cullen Jones, Kevin Cordes and Ryan Murphy at the Golden Goggles red carpet in New York

Gary Hahn

On her plans for the future, Sandeno said, “I am pumped for 2019 and I have exciting news to share very soon. I have been working on my bucket list and have a major one to announce. My company, Laguna Fin, is looking forward to another strong year as we are growing and getting our name out there. I am excited to be back on deck for more swim meets as well getting some more hosting opportunities.”

To learn more about USA Swimming, check out its official website.