Darian Townsend becomes U.S. citizen

When Darian Townsend first came to the United States a decade ago, it was primarily to further his international swimming career.

Townsend still is an elite swimmer but when he became an American citizen at a naturalization ceremony Thursday in Phoenix, the reasons transcended his sport.

“I didn’t do this for athletics,” the three-time South African Olympian and 2004 gold medalist said. “I did this for myself as a person and for my future in this country. I did it because I’m proud to be an American. I believe I’m part of the American society, not just the swimming society.”

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