TOKYO, JAPAN - Mark Jedow, head swim coach at McMurry University, recently returned from the 2025 Deaflympics in Japan, where he led Team USA Deaf Swimming to a dominant performance at the Tokyo Aquatics Center. Serving as the head coach for the national team during the competition held from November 20-26, Jedow guided the squad to earn the most medals of any participating nation, securing 12 Gold, three Silver, and eight Bronze medals against a field of elite international competitors.
Under Jedow's leadership, Team USA achieved historic success across all categories. The men's team earned five Gold, two Silver, and four Bronze medals, setting one World Record and three Deaflympics Records. The women's team was equally impressive, capturing five Gold, one Silver, and four Bronze medals while setting four World Records and five Deaflympics Records. Showcasing the depth of the roster, Team USA took Gold in both mixed relay events, setting new World Records in both races.
The victory was particularly notable given the high level of competition. The 2025 Games saw the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus competing as Deaf Individual Neutral Athletes (DINA), a group that had dominated the sport before their 2022 ban. The field also featured elite national-level swimmers making their debut in deaf sports, including athletes who had previously competed in the 2024 Olympics. Despite this challenging environment, Jedow's expertise—built over 30 years of coaching, including leading a 2008 Olympic Trials semifinalist and numerous national qualifiers—helped the team reach its highest potential.
"The trip was fantastic. I was so blessed to be working with a great group of committed athletes who genuinely wanted everyone on the team to succeed," said Jedow. "One of the goals the team had was for every swimmer to come home with a medal, which we achieved. The team ranged in age from 13 to 39, each with different levels of hearing impairment. Some athletes utilized hearing aids while off the pool deck while others only communicated through sign. We had sign interpreters available throughout the competition to assist with communication. I made a lot of new friends with this group and would love to continue work with them again in the future."
