The nation's top swimmers are starting to gear up for swimming’s most prestigious competition, the Summer Olympics.
Starting July 24, the world's best swimmers will face off in Tokyo, one year after the games were supposed to happen, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The swimmers will have had to navigate the challenges of this extra year of training and to arrive in Tokyo in peak form. American superstar swimmers Caleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky hope to lead the medal charge for the USA. However, the International field is as strong as ever which will make for an exciting week of world-class racing in the pool.
Here are some of the races and athletes to keep an eye on.
Athletes:
Caleb Dressel (USA),
The man who has taken on the void left by Michael Phelps. After taking 6 gold medals in the 2019 World Championships, he is poised to have another dominating performance in Tokyo.
Katie Ledecky (USA),
Chasing a "triple crown” in the 800 freestyle, one of the most dominant athletes in the sport is back for more.
Simone Manuel (USA)
A Houston local, who already has a couple of Olympic golds to her name, will hope to add to her tally in the 50 & 100 Free as well the 4 x 100 Free Relay.
Kaylee Mckeown (AUS)
An extremely well-rounded, world-class swimmer who is a gold medal threat in numerous events, including the freestyle and backstroke, and IM races.
Other Notables:
Kliment Kolesnikov (RUS), Sarah Sjostrom (SWE), Duncan Scott (GBR), Michael Andrew (USA).
Races to Watch:
Men’s 100 Free:
Captain America (Caleb Dressel), the Italian Missile (Alessando Miressi) and the Russian Rocket (Kliment Kolesnikov) will face off in swimming's truest test of strength and speed with no margin for error.
Men's 4 x 100s Medley Relay
An event that was dominated by the USA in previous Olympic years, will be wide open this time around. Great Britain’s Adam Peaty, (WR holder in the 100 breaststroke) will try and lead the British to their first Olympic gold in this event.
Women’s 200 Freestyle
The 200 Free has one of the most stacked fields in Tokyo including, reigning World champ Federica Pellegrini (Italy), reigning 400 champ Ariarne Titmus (Australia), and Worlds bronze medalist Sarah Sjostrom (Sweden). Then add Katie Ledecky, who is trying to add to her incredible haul of Olympic gold medals, and this is a can’t miss race this summer.
Make sure to tune in from July 24 through August 1 to not miss any of the action!
These are exciting times for swimming and we hope others get excited about the sport as well.
Go USA!
By Clement Dulac, Lead Swim Coach