In the Nigerian language and culture, Oludare – the given first name of first-time National Team member Dare Rose – means “God Give Me Vindication” or “Gift from God” depending on who you ask. 

Over the past few years – first as a club swimmer, then a National Junior Team member and now a National Team selection – Oludare has simply meant future Olympian. 

At least that’s the path he and his coaches hope his career continues to take as the 2024 Paris Olympics draw closer. 

“My grandfather is from Nigeria, and he named me as a baby, so my name has special significance to me and my family,” Rose said. 

Based on recent results and finishes, the Cal-Berkeley junior is becoming steadily more significant in the pool. 

He started swimming as a toddler – always feeling an innate connection with the water. 

“I never had a fear of the water,” said Rose, an American Studies major who is interested in future careers in either sports medicine or sports business. “I’ve been told when I was really young, we lived near the ocean, and I didn’t hesitate to jump in the water wearing my floaties. I just floated back up and smiled. I loved it.”

Rose joined his first swim team in summer league when he was six and went year-round when we was eight. 

He’s been largely inseparable from the water ever since. 

“I’ve always been super competitive – played soccer and basketball in addition to swimming – but my first love has always been being in the water.”

The oldest of three, having a younger brother and sister, Rose said he’s always had the complete support of his family when it comes to swimming. Both siblings swam at points in their lives, but he was the one who stayed with it. 

When it came time to choose a college and swim program, the National Junior Team members looked cross-country from his home in New Jersey and landed in California. 

Because of the Golden Bears’ – and coach Dave Durden’s – proven reputation for helping produce Olympic swimmers (Nathan Adrian, Ryan Murphy, Jacob Pebley, etc.), he decided without hesitation to take his skillset west. 

“Dave has produced a lot of Olympians, so I knew he and his staff could me find my best results – plus, they have great academics,” Rose said. “At the time, I was swimming several different events – not really specializing in any one – so I knew Dave could help me improve in all of them.”

Among his training partners in Berkeley are Olympic butterflier Tom Shields and World Championship team member and flier Trenton Julian – so he hasn’t had any trouble finding motivation and opportunity to improve. 

Over the past few seasons, Rose has worked diligently on all facets of his swimming, particularly on refining his technique, underwaters and start – and it’s paying off. He also altered his breathing patterns over the final 50 meters to get a stronger, faster finish.

Earlier this spring at World Championship Trials in Raleigh, N.C., Rose finished fourth in the 100 fly to qualify for his first senior-level National Team. 

The funny thing is, he didn’t focus much on the stroke during his training, so in many ways, the outcome was a complete and welcome surprise. 

“I honestly wasn’t training much for fly, so when I accomplished that, it made me realize anything is possible,” he said. “I started World Trials with a not-so-great performance in the 400 free, so my expectations weren’t high when it came to the fly. 

“But once I got in the water, it felt great. All of the work I had done with my coaches worked and paid off. Having a good mental attitude throughout the meet was important to my success.”

With his success, Rose said his confidence heading into collegiate competition this fall is very high in all of his events – and his goals moving forward are even higher. 

“Swimming in the Olympics has always been a dream of mine, and this year has really made me think it’s possible,” he said. “I have just under two years to put in a lot more work and dedicate myself toward Paris in ’24.

“My coaches and I are working on making a plan now to help make that happen. I know I have to do a lot to continue improving, and I’m committed to that.”