David Johnston reveals health struggles after serious car accident

American Olympic swimmer David Johnston has opened up about his ongoing health struggles, revealing that persistent neurological symptoms have kept him away from competitive swimming for the past 13 months. The 25-year-old athlete has been dealing with several physical challenges, including injuries and the effects of a serious car accident.

Johnston shared an update about his difficult year in a lengthy Instagram post, explaining why he has been unable to compete regularly since participating in the 2025 World Championships in Singapore. His recent health problems have affected both his swimming career and everyday life.

The swimmer revealed that he has experienced injuries involving his knees and shoulders, making it difficult to maintain his usual training routine. However, his biggest challenge came approximately three months ago when he was involved in a serious head-on car accident.

According to Johnston, the collision left him with a concussion and ongoing neurological symptoms. These complications have made normal daily activities difficult and prevented him from returning to the swimming pool as planned.

Johnston also expressed appreciation for the support he has received from the coaching and medical staff at the University of Florida. He relocated to Florida in autumn 2025 after transferring to Gainesville to continue his swimming career and academic journey.

The Olympic swimmer praised the university’s coaches and trainers for the care they have provided throughout his recovery. He explained that their approach to supporting athletes has changed his expectations of how coaches and training staff should respond when competitors face serious health challenges.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Johnston remains determined to recover and return to professional swimming. He acknowledged that his recovery depends on his brain healing properly but stressed that he is doing everything possible to regain his health.

He also reassured supporters that he hopes to return to the sport once his neurological symptoms improve. His immediate priority, however, is to focus on recovery rather than rushing back into competitive training.

David Johnston’s Olympic and Swimming Career

Johnston represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he competed in the men’s 1,500-metre freestyle event. He finished in 18th place and was also selected for the American open-water swimming team.

However, his Olympic campaign took an unexpected turn when he tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to withdraw from the open-water competition.

Before reaching the Olympic stage, Johnston established himself as one of the leading swimmers in American college swimming. During his time at the University of Texas, he earned eight All-American honours and contributed to the university’s NCAA Championship victory in 2021. He was also part of the team that finished as runners-up in 2022.

His achievements included helping the Texas Longhorns secure three Big 12 team championships. He also won four individual Big 12 titles, with three of those victories coming in the 1,650-yard freestyle event.

Originally from Dallas, Johnston completed his bachelor’s degree in spring 2023. He continued competing during the 2025 college swimming season while pursuing graduate studies and had planned to continue his athletic career at the University of Florida during the 2025-26 season.

His international achievements also include competing at the 2024 World Championships, where he secured fifth place in the 400-metre individual medley. He finished 12th in the 400-metre freestyle and 11th in the 800-metre freestyle.

At the 2023 World Championships, he placed 17th in the 400-metre freestyle, while his performance at the 2025 competition included ninth place in the 1,500-metre freestyle.

With several major achievements behind him, Johnston is now concentrating on overcoming his health difficulties. His supporters will be hoping that the American swimmer can make a successful recovery and eventually return to the sport.