Dan Li started competitive swimming at the age of 10 for the Naperville Swim Team. After being "not too amazing in the water" Dan developed and at the age of 14, he competed in 6 events at Illinois state meet. He placed 2nd in the 50 free, 4th in the 100 and 5th in the 200.

Dan went on to swam for Naperville Central High School and was a 4 year varsity member. In his freshman year, the NCHS won the state championship. During his last year at Naperville Dan led the team to a 2nd place team finish and finished 5th in the 50.

Though Dan practices hard, he is physically unable to swim more than a 100. Other events that Dan swims include the 100 fly. He now swims for the Maverick Swim Club which is also based in Naperville.