INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials kicked off with a set of exciting events on Monday morning. The preliminary session featured three key events: the women’s 400 IM, women’s 100 back, and men’s 800 free.
One of the standout athletes at the Trials is Katie Grimes, who made history by becoming the first athlete to qualify for Team USA in Paris after winning bronze in the women’s 10km at last summer’s World Championships. Grimes, a double World silver medalist, showcased her talent in the 400 IM, advancing to the final comfortably. Another athlete to watch out for is Regan Smith, who set a new American Record in the 100 back less than a month ago, and is aiming for more success in the upcoming events.
In the women’s 400 IM prelims, Emma Weyant and Katie Grimes delivered impressive performances, securing the top two seeds for the final. Weyant, the reigning Olympic silver medalist in the event, showed her dominance on the breaststroke leg. Grimes, on the other hand, looked solid and is expected to put up a strong fight in the final later.
The Women’s 100 back prelims saw Regan Smith continuing her impressive form, clocking a sub-58 time and leading the field. Katharine Berkoff and Kennedy Noble also had notable swims, setting up an exciting semifinal lineup. The competition is fierce, with several top swimmers vying for a spot on the Olympic team.
Switching gears to the men’s 800 free, Luke Whitlock and defending Olympic champion Bobby Finke stood out in the prelims. Whitlock, who had a breakout performance in the 400 free, continued his strong showing, while Finke displayed his experience and class in the distance event. The competition promises to be intense, with several talented swimmers gunning for a spot in the final.
As the Trials progress, the excitement and anticipation build up, with athletes pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of their Olympic dreams. Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling races as the competition unfolds in Indianapolis.