Making Waves: Stories from the Olympic Swim Trials
Courtesy of SI
This year's US Olympic swim trials have been filled with remarkable achievements, such as sisterhood, the shattering of world records, and the breaking of age barriers. What sets these trials apart is the fact that they are taking place in the Indianapolis Colts NFL Stadium, adding a distinct and memorable element. Despite the unique location, the trials have captivated audiences with incredible stories of triumph and inspiration.
Courtesy of Getty Images
AGE IS BUT A NUMBER
Gabrielle Rose and Audrey Derivaux prove that age is just a number. At 46, Rose is older than many of her competitors, some of whom are 30+ years younger. However, this hasn't stopped her from participating in the trials. The mother and swim coach didn't aim to make the Olympic team but wanted to send a message. She wanted to encourage women, in particular, not to be afraid to be strong, lift weights, take care of themselves, and know they can achieve more in the later stages of their lives. During the 100m breaststroke final, Rose even swam a career-best.
Audrey Derivaux is one of the few people who can say that they swam at the US Olympic Trials finals after completing their first year of high school. After swimming a nearly four-second personal best, the 14-year-old shocked many by claiming a spot in the 400 IM Finals. Derivaux is one of a handful of teenagers who will compete at the Olympic trials. Audrey’s older sister Lilly also competed at the trials in the 200m butterfly.
Courtesy of USA Swimming
THE RECORDS ARE FALLING
Gretchen Walsh and Regan Smith are current world record holders. Gretchen Walsh went from setting a world record one night to her dreams coming true the next. For Walsh, the trials have been nothing short of exceptional. And it comes with setting a world record and punching her ticket for Team USA this summer. On Saturday, Walsh’s swim in the 100m butterfly semifinals beat the world record by three-tenths of a second. With that, she also became the first swimmer to set a world record at the US Olympic trials since 2008. After finishing first in the finals on Sunday, she has the opportunity to be an Olympian for the first time. Her sister and fellow Olympian is also competing at the trials.
As for Regan Smith, the trials have come with some reclaiming of her own. In 2019, Smith held the women’s 100m backstroke world record. Yet in 2021, Australian Swimmer, Kaylee McKeown broke her record and lowered it in 2023. On Tuesday night, Smith beat McKeown’s world record and lowered the mark further.
“It was part of the plan. I’m so proud of myself; backstroke is hard for me sometimes. To fight back like this and get that back, it means a lot.”
While Regan is swimming in Paris, all of us at home will be cheering her on on her way to win gold.
Courtesy of Getty Images
THE VETERANS SHINE IN INDY
From her lifelong dedication to the sport of swimming to her continued ability to dominate in the sport while inspiring a younger generation of swimmers, Katie Ledecky’s performance at the trials has been nothing short of inspiring. With 7 Olympic gold medals already under her belt, Katie looks forward to competing in 4 events at the Paris Olympics - the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle and the 4x200m relay. Read more about Katie in this post here.
Katie’s not the only veteran swimmer to shine at the trials. With five Olympic medals of her own, Lilly King has the thrilling opportunity to win more in Paris this summer. Ryan Murphy also secured his spot in Team USA by qualifying for the Olympics in the 100m backstroke. Bobby Finke, with his eyes set on the gold, is also preparing to join them. The anticipation for their performances in Paris is palpable.
Whether you’re a fan of swimming or not, the US Olympic Trials this year have been nothing short of awe-inspiring. We can’t wait to see what these swimmers do with the remainder of the trials and in Paris.