2024 U.S. Olympic Selection
Nothing is guaranteed, which is why we keep watching sports year after year. It's easy to root for the perennial champions, but there's nothing quite like the unexpected upset, when a dark horse appears out of nowhere and does something no one expected.
The U.S. Trials will feature a number of swimmers who are poised to make the leap and earn a chance to represent the U.S. in Paris.
woman
Gillian Cox – (free)
While coming in second in an event as a member of the national team going into trials may not be the biggest underdog story, Gillian Cox She's just 18 years old. She placed second in the 800m freestyle and will face stiff competition from young stars like Claire Weinstein and Katie Grimes, as well as veterans like Leah Smith and Paige Madden.
Still, the 800m may not be her only chance to make the team, as she is also in position to compete in the 400 and 1500m.
Kennedy Noble (Back/IM)
Kennedy Noble is a standout in both backstroke events after finishing in the top six in two events. After winning the 200 backstroke at the 2023 ACC Championships and Pan American Games, the NC State sophomore is primed for a big swim breakthrough.
Josephine Fuller (back)
The 2023 Pan American 100 backstroke champion is currently competing in four events and is well positioned to reach the semifinals in both the backstroke and the 100 butterfly, and if she can perform well in a few races, she could be in position to make the team.
Kelly Pash (jump)
Pas, who completed her first international tour at the Pan American Games last summer, is seeded sixth and seventh in the 100 and 200 butterfly, respectively. Both events are highly competitive, and it could be tough for anyone to qualify for Paris.
Olivia Bray (back/fly)
The NCAA champion in the 200 butterfly did not compete in the 200 butterfly at the Trials, but he still performed well in the 200 backstroke and 100 butterfly, finishing third at last summer's Pan American Games.
Lila Bogner (IM/Back/Fly)
Since competing in the recent World Championships in Doha, where Bogner is scheduled to compete in four events including a strong performance in the 400 meters and individual medley, the Florida native may be ready to take the next step and compete in a breakthrough meet.
Isabel Ivy (Freelance/IM)
Ivey, the SEC champion in the 200m freestyle, may be poised to make the transition to the LCM after a strong performance in the 200m freestyle that earned her a spot on the relay team in Paris. She is also highly seeded in the 200m individual medley, but there aren't many spots open outside of the top three.
Junior standouts:
In addition to these names, there's always the possibility that a young swimmer will have the meet of his life at his first tryout and ultimately make the team. Other young rising stars to watch include:
Piper Enge (100/200 breasts), Raya Melot (100/200 breasts), and Riley Erisman (50, 100, 200 freestyle, 100, 200 backstroke)
male
Noah Nichols / John Kelly (Breasts)
Both Nichols and Kelly are seeded high enough to make the semifinals in both breaststroke events, but with the amount of turnover at the Trials these days, anything really can happen. Nichols will head into the 100 breaststroke in a highly competitive field seeded third with a best time of 59.40, beating out big names like Michael Andrew and Cody Miller.
Aaron Shackel (Free Fly)
The other Shackell brother is highly seeded in several events with the 200, 400 freestyle and 200 butterfly all within reach. After returning to Carmel for his Olympic redshirt, the No. 1 athlete in the 2023 class has spent the entirety of 2024 training, focused on making the team.
Baylor Nelson (Free/IM)
Nelson comes into the Trials as the SEC champion in both IMs for the third consecutive year. In a strong field, Nelson will not only be competing for a spot in the IM, but also a spot on the 200 freestyle relay team.
Luke Whitlock (free)
With a very wide open race in the 800m and a lot of uncertainty in the 400m and 1500m freestyle, attention will be focused on Whitlock's middle distance freestyle events. With a trip to Paris on the line, the 800m freestyle is shaping up to be one of the most exciting races as he battles for second place behind current Olympic champion Bobby Finke.
Maximus Williamson (Free/IM)
The Virginia native is the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class and is in good form heading into the Trials. Seeded in the top 16 in both the 100 and 200 freestyle, where further Olympic team spots are at stake, and also ranked fourth in the 200 individual medley, Williamson is one to watch as a host of young stars take to the stage.
Daniel Deal / Jack Akins (backstroke)
As Ryan Murphy looks to win the backstroke for the third time this week in Indy, many swimmers are waiting for their first Olympic berth, including Diehl and Aikins, who have steadily improved over the years and are the favorites in the 100 and 200 backstroke.
The 200 backstroke is also expected to be a close race, with Keaton Jones, Ian Graham and Hunter Tapp potentially surprising everyone and making the team.
Rex Maurer
With all eyes on the 400 freestyle and whether the U.S. can get two swimmers below the A cut in the final, Rex Maurer is the one to watch. Maurer has made steady progress over the past few years and could have a breakout moment on day one at Indy.
Junior standouts:
Here are some young stars who could break out on the men's side:
Luka Mijatovic (200, 400, 800, 1500 freestyle), Greg Enoch (400 freestyle, 200 butterfly, 200, 400 individual medley), Shawn Green (400, 800, 1500 freestyle, 200 backstroke, 400 individual medley), and Luke Ellis (400, 800, 1500 freestyle, 200 backstroke, 400 individual medley)
There's a lot of exciting racing happening at Indy this week, but the only certainty is uncertainty. Let's follow all the storylines as they unfold. here.
