The U.S. Olympic swimming trials have brought both joy and heartbreak, as Caeleb Dressel claimed victory in the men’s 50-meter freestyle, clocking in at 21.41 seconds to secure his place at the Paris Olympics. Regan Smith triumphed in the 200 backstroke, qualifying for three individual events in Paris, while Chris Guiliano’s runner-up finish in the 50 free earned him his third individual race at the Games. Nic Fink, who will be a two-time Olympian, shared a heartfelt note of thanks after qualifying for the 100m breaststroke, making his achievement all the more special as he juggles a full-time job and anticipates fatherhood. On the international front, the French swimming championships in Chartres saw Maxime Grousset and Emma Terebo secure their Olympic berths, with Grousset winning three gold medals and Terebo setting a new national record. However, not all stories were of triumph. Spanish swimming legends Mireia Belmonte and Jessica Vall faced disappointment, as Belmonte did not qualify for the 400m freestyle and Vall missed the Olympic cut by a mere two hundredths of a second in the 200m breaststroke. Belmonte’s absence from the Paris Olympics marks the end of an era for the decorated Olympian, who has been hindered by a shoulder injury. As the trials continue, the swimming community celebrates the achievements of those who have qualified and empathizes with the heartache of those who fell just short.
Key points
- Caeleb Dressel secures his Paris Olympics spot in the 50-meter freestyle, marking a successful comeback.
- Regan Smith and Chris Guiliano also qualify for the Paris Olympics, with Smith set to swim three individual events.
- Spanish swimmers Mireia Belmonte and Jessica Vall miss out on Olympic qualification, with Belmonte affected by a shoulder injury.
- Nic Fink qualifies for the Paris Olympics in the 100m breaststroke, sharing a touching message of gratitude.
