Cole grew up in Center City, Philadelphia, where he took swim lessons at the local YMCA, before his mother personally took over his early aquatic education. Since then, most of Cole's experience as a swimmer has come in the ocean -- with open water swims, surfing, and working as a surf instructor. In high school, Cole completed six triathlons, giving him confidence and comfort in any body of water. During this time, he also taught swim lessons at the Windsor Athletic Club in Princeton, New Jersey. Cole recently returned from a year of traveling and looks forward to bringing his love of the water and swimming to New York City.