Omaha, Nebraska – As the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials continue, the excitement and speed of the competition have captivated fans and athletes alike. The past few days have been filled with standout performances, from Katie Ledecky securing her fourth Olympic team spot to Aaron Shackell impressing the hometown crowd with his first Olympic qualifying swim.
Last night’s events were just as thrilling as the previous night, with notable swims in the women’s 200 free semifinals and Lilly King’s impressive performance in front of a home crowd in the 100 breaststroke. The evening also featured a highly entertaining swim-off for the men’s 200 free final, adding to the intense competition of the week.
The morning of the latest day of the trials showcases the women’s 400 IM and the men’s 800 free, both heading straight to the finals. Swimmers in the prelims must bring their A-game to avoid ending up in 9th place. The competition starts with the fiercely competitive backstroke event on the women’s side.
Athletes like Regan Smith, who recently joined the sub-56 club, and Katharine Berkoff, a strong contender for the second backstroke spot at the Olympics, are among the top competitors to watch. The defending World Champion, Claire Curzan, and rising stars like Mollie O’Callaghan and Kylie Masse promise to make the backstroke event one of the most exciting to follow.
The morning session continues with the Women’s 400 IM, where top seed Katie Grimes leads the pack. Leah Hayes, a promising young talent, faces tough competition from experienced swimmers like Emma Weyant and Leah Smith. The men’s 800 free heats close out the morning, with top seed Bobby Finke showcasing his dominance in distance swimming.
A mix of hungry young swimmers and seasoned veterans, including Ross Dant, Will Gallant, David Johnston, Charlie Clark, Luke Whitlock, and Luke Ellis, are set to challenge Finke’s prowess in the event. The depth of talent and fierce competition at the trials sets the stage for an exciting journey towards the Tokyo Games.