Rhanishka Gibbs, a sophomore majoring in criminology and criminal justice, is the first female swimmer from TCU since 2008 to compete in the Olympic games. Gibbs is representing the Bahamas in the 50m freestyle. She competed in the Bahamas National Championship in 2024 and has represented the Bahamas at numerous meets like the World Aquatics Swimming Championship and Commonwealth Games, among others.

“Ms. Gibbs was a student of mine in Crime Scene Investigation in the spring,” said Shane Drake, adjunct professor in criminal justice. “When she could not attend regular class periods, she scheduled time to have course material explained to her and she never complained of the difficulty of having to manage her strenuous workload. It was a privilege to be aware of her accomplishments and to have her in my class.”

Gibbs recently took a break in Paris to share about the crossover between academics and athletics, balancing life as a student and athlete, what she’s enjoying most about the experience and more.

What are you most enjoying about the Olympic experience? Most nervous about?

I am so excited for the incredible experience of competing on the world stage at the Olympics, representing my country with pride and connecting with fellow athletes from around the globe. The opportunity to showcase my skills and hard work in such a prestigious event is truly exhilarating. However, I am also most nervous about the immense pressure and high expectations that come with competing at this level. Balancing the excitement with the nerves is a challenge, but I am ready to embrace it and give my absolute best. It’s an honor to say that I’m competing at the Olympic Games at 18. I’m so thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way.

How have you balanced life as a student and an athlete?

It has been both challenging and rewarding. It requires meticulous time management and a strong sense of discipline. I prioritize my schedule to ensure that I dedicate sufficient time to both my academic responsibilities and my training sessions. This involves staying organized, seeking support from professors and coaches, and sometimes making sacrifices in social activities. Despite the demands, this balance has taught me invaluable skills of resilience, focus and time management, all of which contribute to my success in both arenas. I also try to prioritize my social life because sometimes being a student-athlete at such a high level can become very draining and take a turn on your mental health. It’s good to take a step back sometimes and make time for yourself family and friends and what you love doing.

Is there crossover between athletics and the classroom?

Yes, the crossover is significant. The discipline needed to adhere to a rigorous training schedule mirrors the focus required to excel academically. Preparation for competitions involves strategic planning and consistent effort, much like studying for exams or completing projects. The commitment to achieving my best, whether on the field or in the classroom, drives me to stay motivated, manage my time effectively and balance my responsibilities.

What are your plans post-graduation?

I plan to leverage my TCU degree to pursue a career in law. I am excited to attend law school, where I hope to deepen my understanding of legal principles and develop the skills necessary to advocate for justice and make a positive impact in my community. My experiences as a student-athlete have instilled in me a strong work ethic, discipline and the ability to thrive under pressure—qualities that will serve me well in law school and my future career. I look forward to using my education and experiences to contribute meaningfully to the field of law.

What’s your favorite thing about being a Horned Frog?

The incredible sense of community and support at TCU and the passionate school spirit at athletic events. Being part of this environment has been a highlight of my college experience that's just begun. The opportunities for personal growth, academic excellence and athletic achievement have been great so far. I am proud to be a Horned Frog and will carry the values and memories from TCU with me always.