Albert Wåhlander (also written as Volandel) is a Swedish professional swimmer holding current world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle. He is widely recognized in competitive swimming as the "Odin of the swimming world." Other characters and coaches describe his exceptional swimming abilities as "otherworldly," often highlighted during races by distinctive visual and auditory motifs emphasizing his unique presence.
Physically, Albert stands 192 cm tall with a slender yet muscular "type 6" swimmer's physique. He has light blond hair swept to the left, typically covering one eye, pale eyelashes, and distinctive purple eyes. His character design incorporates a blue whale motif.
Personality-wise, Albert exhibits a friendly and adaptable demeanor. He genuinely enjoys competition, describing it as "fun," and maintains a calm, collected attitude outside the pool, displaying notable skill in activities like arcade games. He shows curiosity about local cultures during travels, quickly adapting to new experiences. While dedicated to swimming, he occasionally resists his coach Ralph's strict regimens to seek personal time alone. He communicates openly despite language barriers, using English with Japanese characters, forming connections with fellow swimmers like Haruka Nanase.
Within the narrative, Albert serves as a top-tier rival, particularly for Haruka. Their initial encounter sees Albert effortlessly defeat Haruka in an unofficial freestyle race, establishing him as a primary obstacle for characters aiming internationally. Later, he competes against Haruka, Rin Matsuoka, and Ikuya Kirishima in the 100-meter freestyle at the All-Japan Invitational, solidifying his role as a global benchmark. His background includes familial connections: his father is identified as Erwin Volandel, and there are references to a younger brother. His surname appears with variations ("Wåhlander" vs. "Volandel") across official sources.