Upcoming Event: Swimming & Diving versus Atlantic Sun Conference on February 18, 2026 at All Day
All Day
Swimming & Diving
vs. Atlantic Sun Conference
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Photo by: JC Ridley
Photo by: Keira Arimenta
Photo by: JC Ridley
Photo by: JC Ridley
Photo by: JC Ridley
Meet Junior Bilú Bianchi
2/16/2026 11:39:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Q: How did you first get into swimming?
A: I started club swimming in high school because all my friends did it. I stuck through it because I found that I was good at it. My goal in my senior year of high school was to swim in college, so I really pushed myself.
Q: Growing up in Clearwater, how did your background influence your approach to swimming and competition?
A: In Clearwater, swimming is a very big sport, and most high schools have swimming programs, so I think that is what inspired me. Also seeing all these competitions being held at the community pools, I really wanted to race and win a medal, so I started training and that influenced me to continue with the sport.
Q: How do you handle mental pressure — especially during big meets like conference championships?
A: Sometimes stress does take over but in reality, even if I don't do great, I will have another opportunity to do it later. I just don't think it is ok for it to take over 100% mentally because then it's not enjoyable. The best part is to enjoy the sport completely because once you lose joy, there is no point in competing since there is no love in the sport. I just have to remember this is what I trained for, this is what I love, and if it doesn't come out, it doesn't come out and I will have another chance to do it later.
Q: What has been your proudest race or moment in your swimming career so far — and what made it so meaningful?
A: The Junior Pan American games were my proudest race. I placed in the 100 breast and was not seeded high at all. I then qualified for the finals in 8th place, barely making it in. It is only because one girl got disqualified, so luck was on my side. I then placed sixth in the finals. It's the best rank in North and South America. That was definitely my proudest moment.
Q: Collegiate swimming requires balancing intense training with academics. How do you manage that balance, and what have you learned about yourself in the process?
A: I am not going to say it's easy. It's very difficult, but with my major, I am allowed to take it online. I like to say I have a strict schedule with what I do because school comes first and swimming comes after. I always have a set schedule with when I must do my homework and I have all my tests lined up ahead of time and let my professors know that I am on the swim team because it's a lot of pressure.
Q: What's been your biggest lesson or takeaway during your time at FAU — both in and out of the pool?
A: In high school, I was really burnt out but I gave myself a chance again when I came to FAU, hoping to find love again for the sport. I truly did when I was surrounded by my team that wanted to swim with me and push me to be better. It gave me a new spark. My biggest lesson was to really enjoy the four years I have left of swim because time goes by so quickly.
Q: What are your goals for the next few seasons — both personally and for your team?
A: My goal is to medal at a conference and be on the podium. Last year, I got into the 'A' final and this year I have a different mindset, which is that I know I can do it. I also want to break the school record which I am only a second away from. Personally, I want to enjoy the time that I have left here and take advantage of what they have to offer.
Q: If you could give advice to your younger self just starting out in swimming, what would you say?
A: It is not the big of a deal. You will survive. It feels like everything is coming down at you at the same time, but you will get out. Time heals and mentality fixes everything. You just have to want it in order to achieve it.
SCHEDULE
For the full 2025-26 swim & dive schedule, click HERE.
ROSTER
For the full 2025-26 swim & dive roster, click HERE.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
For complete coverage from the meet and more FAU swimming & diving news, follow along on social media platforms (@fauswimdive).
Hometown Team w/ Riley Hersh
Friday, February 13
Inside the Owls Burrow 2026 Spring Show #3
Tuesday, February 10
S&D | Video Story
Friday, February 06
Inside the Owls Burrow 2026 Spring Show #2
Wednesday, January 28