Indianapolis, Indiana – The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials have reached the conclusion of Day 2, showcasing a myriad of compelling storylines. While many eyes were on swimmers like Carson Foster and Gretchen Walsh, there were also notable performances that may have gone unnoticed by the broader audience.
Owen McDonald, the ASU standout who recently announced his transfer to Indiana, impressed with a nearly two-second drop in the 200 freestyle, clocking in at 1:48.05 during the prelims. With the support of a robust crowd of 17,697 cheering him on, McDonald’s performance sets a promising tone for his upcoming events, particularly the 200 IM where he holds the title of defending NCAA runner-up.
Freshman talent also shone through at the trials, with Cal’s Keaton Jones breaking the 1:50 mark for the first time in the 200 free with a time of 1:48.23. Jones’s strong showing hints at a potential breakout in the 200 back, where he has been building momentum throughout the season.
Another freshman, Josh Parent, showcased his potential by slashing nearly a second off his best time in the 400 IM, finishing under 4:20 for the first time at 4:19.98. Levi Sandidge, though missing out on the finals of the 400 IM, demonstrated significant improvement with a 2.85-second drop from his previous best in 2022, marking himself as a rising star to watch out for in the NCAA format.
Jennah Fadely, a dominant force in the D3 NCAA scene, impressed with a personal best in the 100 breast during prelims, clocking in at 1:09.10 and securing the 19th overall spot. With one year left at Kenyon College, Fadely’s continued success indicates a bright future for the talented athlete within the collegiate swimming landscape.