The Sweetest Photos from the Olympic Trials
Warning: These heartwarming pictures might bring a tear to your eye. Everyone loves uplifting content, and nothing tugs at the heartstrings more than witnessing touching sports moments. Here are 15 photos from the Olympic Trials that will move you to tears.
Swimming
Courtesy of Jack Spitser
This whole photo screams tender town as Caeleb Dressel qualifies for his third Olympic Games while his wife and son watch in the stands. Dressel will compete in the 100 butterfly, the 50m free, and the 4x100m relay in Paris.
Courtesy of Jack Spitser
Simone Manuel was overcome with emotion as she received her gold medal at the Olympic Trials. As she recovers from overtraining syndrome, the five-time Olympic swimmer will again compete in the Olympics in the 50m freestyle.
Courtesy of Mike Lewis
The smile on Lilly King’s face after her boyfriend, James Wells, proposed to her immediately after winning the 200m breaststroke says it all. This marks King's third Olympic Games, where she will be competing in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events.
Courtesy of Mike Lewis
Watching Regan Smith break the 100m backstroke world record remains one of my favorite moments of the trials. Her reaction after seeing her time made me shed tears. Hearing Regan’s confidence that she could do it again in Paris made the tears flow again.
Courtesy of Mike Lewis
Carson Foster's dream of participating in the Olympic Games is coming true as he prepares for his debut at the event. His emotional reaction reflects the journey of overcoming doubts and fears after facing the disappointment of not making the 2021 team.
Track & Field
Courtesy of How Lao
Was Nikki Hiltz's reaction as they crossed the finish line emotional? Yes. What is more emotional is how they will represent transgender nonbinary individuals at the Paris Games. Nikki will be competing in the Women's 1500.
Courtesy of How Lao
The track queen, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, made history once again by breaking the 400m hurdles world record, shocking even herself. This marked Sydney's 5th time breaking the world record.
Courtesy of Justin Britton
Speaking of shock, when James Corrigan crossed the finish line in third during the Men’s 3k Steeple Final, shock was the only thing on his face. The young collegiate runner was stunned at his performance. He raced again on June 29th to secure his ticket to Paris by running the Olympic standard in the event.
Courtesy of Moa Segerholt
Monaé Nichols was overcome with emotion after her sixth long jump attempt, and I couldn't help but shed a tear as well. It was in her final attempt that she clinched the bronze medal and secured her qualification for the Olympic Games.
Courtesy of Taylor Sims
Witnessing Brittany Brown with a silver medal around her neck was enough to make anyone who knows her story cry. Brittany never won a state or NCAA title and had no sponsor out of college, but she can officially say she is an Olympian.
Courtesy of How Lao
When Grant Holloway ran a world lead in the 110 hurdle finals, he immediately started jumping up and down with excitement. From the moment he stepped out of the blocks, Grant was leading the race. The excitement from the win had me tearing up the rest of the night.
Courtesy of Justin Britton
Mom’s already make me emotional, but combine that with the Olympics, and I’m a goner. After Ellie’s third-place finish in the 1500, she walked around the track with her son, showing everyone that she could be both an Olympian and a mom.
Gymnastics
Courtesy of Team USA
Fair warning: all the pictures from the Men’s and Women’s gymnastic trials will leave you feeling empowered and in awe of these athletes. Paul Juda’s dream of making the Olympic Team came true on Saturday night as they announced his name. He was overcome with emotion in this very sweet interview.
Courtesy of John K. Cheng
A heartwarming sight unfolded on Sunday night as Jade Carrey and her father, Brian, shared a sweet and emotional moment. Jade had just secured a spot on Team USA, and her father, a dedicated sports coach, had been an integral part of her journey. His unwavering support has been a constant source of strength for Jade as she pursued her dreams.
Courtesy of John K. Cheng
If you know Sunisa Lee's journey to return to the Olympics, you're probably crying. In 2023, Suni was diagnosed with incurable kidney disease, which caused her to take some steps back from the sport. She did not let this stop her, and she was once again granted a spot on the iconic Team USA gymnastics squad.