Swim fans must wait until July 27 when the sports event kicks off at La Défense Arena for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, we are still reeling over those top performances from our favorite athletes during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials which was held from June 15 to June 23 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
After nine days that included records breaking and lots of excitement, here are those top moments worth replaying from the 2024 Olympic Trials.
The Veterans Showed Up
While there were a few new stars that emerged during the competition, it was the veterans who really came and conquered. This includes Katie Ledecky who qualified for her fourth Olympic Games. Ledecky qualified in all four of her events, but it was her historic 800m freestyle win worth noting. She finished the event in 8:14.12 to secure her spot on Team USA. She also has an amazing performance in the women’s 1500m, now claiming 19 fastest times in the history of this event.
Fan favorite Ryan Murphy also made Team USA for the 2024 Games. The two-time Olympian came in first in the men’s 100m backstroke final with 52.22.
Regan Smith Sets 100m Backstroke World Record
Regan Smith is on the way to the Paris Games after her record-breaking performance in the women’s 100m backstroke. She finished in 57.13 seconds in the finals and has the goal to even beat her own new world record at the Games.
Shackell Siblings Make Team USA
Brother and sister swim stars Alex and Aaron Shackell also made Team USA after qualifying in their respective events. Alex broke the national age group world record in the women’s 200 butterfly in the semifinals, with 2:06.10. She then came in second place in the finals. Her brother Aaron was the first swimmer to advance to Paris, placing first in the 400m freestyle in 3:45.46.
Caeleb Dressel To Defend His Title
Caeleb Dressel qualified for Team USA in the men’s 100m butterfly, 50m free, and the 4×100 free relay. Dressel is a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and will compete in the Paris Games to defend his Tokyo Olympic title. He won the men’s 100m butterfly with a time of 100m 50.19 seconds.
The Youngest Swimmer On Team USA
At just 13 years old, Gabi Brito is the youngest swimmer to qualify for the Paris Fame at the Swim Trials. She finished the women’s 50m free in 25.74.
Swim Trials History
Simone Manuel made history by being one of the very few swimmers to win multiple Trials titles in the 50 free. Manuel joins Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres in the honor. Manuel will represent the United States in the Paris Games.
These are just some of the top moments over the nine days of swimming events. The 2024 Paris Olympic Games starts on Friday, July 26, and concludes on Sunday, August 11.