By Charlotte Wells on SwimSwam
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.
Bulgarian national champion Daren Kirilov has announced his commitment to swim for the University of Minnesota beginning in the fall of 2026.
“I’m incredibly grateful to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic journey at my next school. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m excited for this next chapter and all the opportunities ahead. Go Gophers!!”
Based in Ruse, Bulgaria, Kirilov currently trains with Dorostol Club in Silistra and primarily specializes in backstroke. A versatile threat in the water, he also excels at fly, free and IM. Kirilov recently competed at the Bulgarian Championships (LCM) in mid-July, where he turned in a series of top performances. He won the 100 back in 55.72 and took 2nd in the 200 IM (2:04.22 – PB), 4th in the 100 fly (55.27 – PB) and 9th in the 50 fly (25.08 – PB).
Earlier this season, Kirilov posted a string of fast performances at the 2026 Bulgarian Open Team Championships (LCM), clocking a lifetime best in all three backstroke events. He won the 100 back (55.32) and 200 back (2:00.85) and snagged the runner-up spot in the 50 back (26.15). He also set a best time in the 100 free (51.23) as the leadoff on the 400 free relay. He followed it up with even faster swims at the Grand Prix Burgas in May, posting best times of 55.06 in the 100 back and 1:59.10 in the 200 back.
Kirilov competed at the 2025 World Junior Championships (LCM) last summer, where he set a then-personal best time in the 100 back (56.29) in addition to racing the 50 back (26.72) and 200 back (2:02.76).
At the 2025 Bulgarian Swimming Championships (SCM), Kirilov logged a lifetime best performance in four events. He prevailed in the 50 back (24.88), 100 back (52.56) and 200 back (1:52.25), setting a personal best in each, and he clocked a new best time in the 50 free (22.86) as the leadoff on the 200 free relay.
Best Times LCM (SCY Conversion):
50 back – 26.15 (23.01) 100 back – 55.06 (48.52) 200 back – 1:59.10 (1:45.13) 100 fly – 55.27 (48.53) 100 free – 51.23 (44.71)A Division I program, Minnesota competes in the Big Ten Conference and placed 8th out of nine teams at this past season’s conference championships. The Gophers sent two athletes, Jacob Johnson and Drew Bennett, on to compete at the NCAA Division I Men’s Championships, where they finished 31st overall.
To earn a second swim at the 2026 Big Ten Conference Championships, it took times of 46.54/1:43.99 in the 100/200 back, 46.48 in the 100 fly and 43.71 in the 100 free, putting Kirilov outside the cutoff with his projected SCY times. On the team itself, Kirilov is poised to rank 5th in the 100 free and 6th in the 100 back, 200 back and 100 fly this coming season with his converted times, bringing added depth to the Gophers.
The full list of recruits set to join Kirilov in the pool this fall includes Emir Batur Albayrak, Joey Zelen, Dawson Walters, Luca Ignatescu, Trevor Green, Chase Grisi, Hudson Huberg and Folke Barenius, who should all make for strong training partners over the next four years.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to Recruits@swimswam.com.
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.
Read the full story on SwimSwam: Bulgarian National Champion Daren Kirilov to Swim for Minnesota This Fall (2026)
Hence then, the article about bulgarian national champion daren kirilov to swim for minnesota this fall 2026 was published today ( ) and is available on swimswam ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Bulgarian National Champion Daren Kirilov to Swim for Minnesota This Fall (2026) )
Also on site :