June 2024 – South Florida Aquatic Club's Blog

Simone Manuel, Bobby Finke Win Final Events Of U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 24, 2024—The comeback of Simone Manuel is complete.

The first black female swimmer to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics, won the 50-meter freestyle in 24.13, earning an individual spot on the final night of the U.S. Olympic Trials Sunday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The night before the final, Manuel watched several of her best races on video to remind her just how great a sprinter she is before over training syndrome sidelined her and ruined her physical and mental preparation before the Tokyo Games.

Still, the emotional Manuel seemed surprised when she looked up at the scoreboard and saw that she had won. She pumped her fist after she realized her comeback was successful. She had already clinched a spot at her third Olympics on the 4×100 freestyle relay.

“I wasn’t feeling real confident after last night,” said Manuel, only the fourth-fastest qualifier in the semifinals. “I spent a lot of time watching races where I won. I wanted to channel that Simone who I know I’m a winner.”

Bobby Finke of St. Petersburg Aquatics was the final winner of the night winning the 1500-meter freestyle, setting himself up to defend his titles in the 800 and 1500. Finke won in 14:40.28. David Johnston, after two heartbreaking finishes earlier in the week, nailed the second spot holding on against Luke Whitlock in 14:52.74 to make his first Olympic team.

“This meet didn’t go the way I planned,” said Johnston, who missed out in his other events with a third-place in the 400 freestyle and fourth in the 800 freestyle. “It took everything I had to get to that wall. My legs at 300 meters were completely gone. I’m glad I kind of saved my meet.”

For the first time in the history of the Trials, the event was held inside the National Football League’s Lucas Oil Stadium and attracting record crowds.

More than 1,000 swimmers including twelve from Florida Gold Coast Swimming, competed for 52 spots (two swimmers per individual event) on Team USA headed to the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Summer Olympics.

With doubles, Team USA, led by Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel, has 46 swimmers. The team is hoping to avenge Australia’s dominance at the 2023 World Championships in Japan.

“You know, last year is last year, and this is a new season,” said Anthony Nesty, the 1988 100 butterfly gold medallist for Suriname and University of Florida head coach who will serve as head coach of the US men’s team in Paris. “We are pretty confident.”

Eight teenagers on the squad include the brother-sister duo of Aaron and Alex Shackell and 17-year-old Thomas Heilman, the youngest US male swimmer to make an Olympic team since 15-year-old Michael Phelps and 17-year-old Aaron Piersol competed in Sydney.

NOTES: In addition to head women’s coach Todd DeSorbo of Virginia and men’s coach Anthony Nesty of Florida, the remaining coaching staff are assistants Carol Capitani of Texas, Dave Durden of California, Braden Holloway of N.C. State, Chris Lindauer of Notre Dame, Greg Meehan of Stanford, Chris Plumb of Carmel Swim Club, Ron Aitken of Sandpipers and Cory Chitwood of Indiana.

SUNDAY FINALS
WOMEN
50-meter freestyle:

Simone Manuel, SUN 24.13, 2. Gretchen Walsh, NAC 24.15, 3. Abbey Weitzell, CAL 24.26, 4. Torri Huske, AAC 24.33.

MEN
1500-meter freestyle:

Bobby Finke, SPA 14:40.28, 2. David Johnston, TST 14:52.74, 3. Luke Whitlock, FAST 14:53.00.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Jennifer Martin Golden Again; Inducted Into United States Police and Fire Championships Hall of Fame

By Sharon Robb
SAN DIEGO, June 23, 2024—Getting inducted into the United States Police and Fire Championships Hall of Fame made the the 57th annual event all the more special for multi-sport athlete Jennifer Martin.

The City of Pembroke Pines Police Traffic Sergeant and former Comets Swim Team swimmer and coach brought home nine gold swimming medals and two records in addition to four gold medals and two records in indoor rowing.

For six years (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), Martin has owned the meet. Martin has won 62 gold medals and broken 34 records in swimming.

In 2020, the meet was cancelled because of the pandemic. In 2018, she made her debut at the USPFC event at age 37 representing the Pembroke Pines Police Department.

The USPFC is an Olympic-style competition with athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration and customs from across the country. Athletes compete in 50 different sports in 35 venues throughout the county of San Diego.

Martin won the following gold medals in swimming:

200 Women’s Freestyle Relay, record, 2:00.36.

200 Women’s Medley Relay, record, 2:24.34.

200 Mixed Freestyle Relay; 200 Mixed Medley Relay; 50 Breaststroke, 36.01; 50 Freestyle, 25.86; 50 Backstroke, 34.82; 50 Butterfly, 29.07; and 100 Freestyle, 58.43.

Her indoor rowing gold medal events were:

Women’s 1,000 Meters, Record 1:48.0 (old 1:55.5 from 2022-was Martin’s old record) Teamed up with Jennifer Valosek San Jose Police Department.

Mixed 1,000 Meters, Record 1:34.3(old record was 1:35.2 from 2018). Teamed up with Alex Armando from California Highway Patrol.

Women’s 2,000 Meters and Women’s 500 Meters.

Of course, Martin is just getting started for the summer. In July, Martin will compete in the July 15-22 Canadian-American Police and Fire Championships for the first time in Butler County, Pa. Martin will compete in swimming, running and shotgun events.

In running, she will compete in the 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles). In shotgun, she will compete in the double and overall skeet singles; doubles and overall trap 16′ and 21′ and individual and top gun sporting clays. In swimming she will compete in the 50 free, 50 back, 50 fly, 100 free, 200 free, 100 back, 100 breast, 200 free relay, 200 medley relay, 200 mixed free relay and 200 mixed medly relay.

Martin was also selected as Run Ambassador for the 2024 MADD Monster Mash and Dash 5K, October 5 at 7 a.m. inside of Sea World Park in Orlando. For those interested to compete or cheer on the runners and walkers, there is a coupon code for 20 percent off when you register. The promo code is MONSTERJENN.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Kaii Winkler Top Florida Gold Coast Swimmer At U.S. Olympic Trials

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 23, 2024—Nearly a year after surviving a bike crash while going home after morning practice, Kaii Winkler took center stage at the U.S. Olympic Trials Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Winkler, 18, of Eagle Aquatics finished eighth in the 100-meter butterfly among a finals field that featured Olympic champion Caeleb Dressel, rising star Thomas Heilman, Dare Rose, Zach Harting and Ryan Murphy.

The N.C. State-commit finished in a lifetime-best in 51.51, dropping one minute. He went 52.13 in prelims for seventh and 51.64 in semis for eighth. His previous best was 52.51.

Trying to avoid a car that didn’t see him and turned into him, Winkler suffered a scaphoid bone fractures in his left wrist and radial head in his right elbow. He also needed stitches in his chin. He overcame the adversity to make his Trials debut nearly a year later.

His other Trials race finishes were:
200 freestyle: 46. 1:50.54.
100 freestyle: 25. 49.22.
50 freestyle: 38. 22.70.

The top-ranked recruit in the boys’ high school class of 2024, already has an impressive swimming resume.

He is a world junior record holder in the long course 4×100-meter freestyle relay. At the 2022 Junior Pan Pacific Championships, he won gold medals in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay and 4×100-meter medley relay, as well as a silver medal in the 50-meter freestyle.

Winkler holds the 15-16 U.S. National Age Group records in the 100 free for both yards and meters. He is also the best sprint freestyler in his class.

Last month at the FGC Senior Championships, the 16-year-old Winkler became the first swimmer in the U.S. 15-16 age group to ever get under the 42-second barrier in the 100-yard freestyle, going a 41.96. In that same meet, he also swam best times of 1:33.28 in the 200 free and 19.44 in the 50 free to put himself at #2 and #3 all-time in the 15-16 age group respectively the events.

Winkler was one of twelve Florida Gold Coast swimmers competing at Trials. Other FGC or former FGC swimmers’ results:

Anna Auld, St. Andrew’s Swimming, University of Florida: 400 IM, 30. 4:53.56; 1500 freestyle, 37. 17:11.43; 800 freestyle, 39. 8:56.64.

Reese Branzell, St. Andrew’s Swimming, University of Georgia: 200 freestyle, 33. 1:19.14; 100 freestyle, 15. 48.70 and 16. 48.91; 50 freestyle, 33. 22.58.

Ilya (Alex) Evdokimov, Coral Springs Swim Club, Cornell: 100 breaststroke, 46. 1:02.10; 200 breaststroke, 33. 2:14.64.

Dylan Felt, Swim Fort Lauderdale, Davidson College: 400 freestyle, 30. 3:53.83; 200 freestyle, 24. 1:48.19; 800 freestyle, 39. 8:09.55; 1500 freestyle, 38. 15:43.25.

Aspen Gersper, St. Andrew’s Swimming, Virginia: 100 backstroke, 58. 1:03.05; 50 freestyle, 73. 26.22.

Paige Maceachern, Pine Crest Swimming, UCLA: 400 IM, 12. 4:47.77; 200 IM, 15. 2:14.90; 200 IM semis. 14. 2:14.77.

Giulian Martin, Hurricane Aquatics: 200 breaststroke, 43. 2:15.25.

Juan Mora, South Florida Aquatic Club, Navy: 200 breaststroke, 68. 2:17.41.

Erika Pelaez, Eagle Aquatics, N.C. State: 100 butterfly, 26. 59.32; 200 freestyle, 31. 2:00.37; 100 backstroke, 12. 1:00.11, prelims; 13. 59.95, semis; 100 freestyle, 13. 54.65; 16. 55.06, semis; 50 freestyle, 29. 25.39.

Heidi Smithwick, Jupiter Dragons, Princeton: 100 butterfly, 52. 1:00.41; 200 butterfly, 20. 2:12.14.

Josh Zuchowski, Flood Aquatics, Stanford: 100 backstroke, 32. 55.36; 200 butterfly: DFS; 200 backstroke, 14. 1:59.31, prelims, 12. 1:59.59, semis; 200 IM, DFS.

For all Florida Gold Coast swimmers, dream big, work hard.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Bolles Alum Caeleb Dressel, Katie Ledecky Win; Eagle Aquatics’ Kaii Winkler Finishes Eighth At U.S. Olympic Trials

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 23, 2024—Bolles alum Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky of Gator Swim Club won their final events Saturday night in the U.S. Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Dressel won the 100-meter butterfly by a half body-length in 50.19, just shy of his 2021 world record of 49.45. Earlier in the week he won the 50-meter freestyle and qualified for the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

Dressel, winner of five gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics, said he was “happy to be done” with the Trials after going through “every emotion that I’m capable of.”

“It’s tough making it through the trials…this truly is the hardest sport,” Dressel said. “It’s more nerve-racking than the Olympics. It’s tough to make the team here, it’s the way it should be. I think all of my swims, I executed as well as I could.”

The greatest thrill of the Trials was having his 4-month-old son, August Wilder, in the stands with his wife, Meghan.

“My son got to watch me make an Olympic team,” Dressel said, breaking into a big smile. “He will not not remember it. But I’ll tell him, trust me. I’ve got pictures to prove it.”

Up-and-coming star Thomas Heilman, 17, finished second in the butterfly with a time of 50.80. Heilman, a Virginia commit, also qualified earlier this week in the 200-meter butterfly. He is the youngest American men’s swimmer to compete in the Games since Michael Phelps (15) and Aaron Peirsol (17) swam at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Heilman broke a 20-year-old record once held by the legendary Michael Phelps. Heilman finished the 100-meter butterfly in 50.80 seconds, beating Phelps’ 17-18 National Age Group record of 51.10 set in the 2003 World Championships.

“Looking up at the board and seeing my name, it was really special,” Heilman said. “That’s a goal I’ve had for years now, and to kind of see it up there, there was a little bit of disbelief.”

Ledecky dominated another event, the 800-meter freestyle in 8:14.12. It was her fourth win of the meet. She is the first woman to win the same event at four straight Olympic Trials.

“I’m happy to have gotten the job done here in Indy tonight and this week,” Ledecky said. “It was a thrill to race in front of this crowd all week, and of course tonight to reminisce a bit on 12 years ago when my international career got kickstarted by that 800 in Omaha in 2012.”

Second place went to Paige Madden, who set a best time of 8:20.71, seventh in the world this year and best time for Madden just shy of seven seconds.

Kate Douglass clinched her third Olympic event winning the 200-meter individual medley in 2:06.79. She also won the 200 breaststroke and 100 freestyle.

Douglass was stroke-for-stroke with Alex Walsh at the final turn but Douglass kicked it into another gear. Walsh finished second in her final chance to join sister Gretchen Walsh on Team USA.

“I’m really happy with that,” Douglass said. “I was coming into the meet trying to win all three events, but I didn’t think I’d be able to achieve that. So I’m happy I did.”

Added Alex Walsh, “It means the world to me to compete with my sister. I didn’t know if I was going to make it to Paris after she made it. This is a dream we’ve been dreaming for so long.”

North Carolina State-bound Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics, the first and only Florida Gold Coast swimmer to advance into a final, was eighth in the 100-meter butterfly in a lifetime-best 51.51. He was seventh in prelims in 52.13 and eighth in semifinals in a then lifetime-best 51.64. Coming into the meet his best time was 52.51.

For the first time in the history of the Trials, the event is being held inside the National Football League’s Lucas Oil Stadium and attracting record crowds.

Among local swimmers action:
Dylan Felt of Swim Fort Lauderdale was 38th in the 1500-meter freestyle heat in 15:43.25.

Erika Pelaez of Eagle Aquatics was 29th in the 50-meter freestyle heat in 25.39.

More than 1,000 swimmers including ten from Florida Gold Coast Swimming, competed for 52 spots (two swimmers per individual event) on Team USA headed to the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Summer Olympics. The trials are being featured on prime time television coverage each night on USA Network, NBC and Peacock.

SATURDAY FINALS
WOMEN
200-meter individual medley:

Kate Douglass, NYAC 2:06.79, 2. Alex Walsh, NAC 2:07.86, 3. Isabel Ivey, GSC 2:10.09.

800-meter freestyle:

Katie Ledecky, GSC 8:14.12, 2. Paige Madden, NYAC 8:20.71, 3. Jillian Cox, TXLA 8:22.97.

MEN
100-meter butterfly:

Caeleb Dressel, GSC 50.19, 2. Thomas Heilman, CA 50.80, 3. Dare Rose, CAL 50.84; Florida Gold Coast: 8. Kaii Winkler, Eagle Aquatics 51.51.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS SCHEDULE
Sunday, June 23: Women 50-meter freestyle, men 1500-meter freestyle.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Bolles Alum Caeleb Dressel Back On Top; Eagle Aquatics’ Kaii Winkler Makes Butterfly Final

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 22, 2024—Caeleb Dressel was all smiles Friday night at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Gator Swim Club swimmer and Bolles alum, who already qualified for the 4×100 freestyle relay with a third place in the 100, won the 50-meter freestyle in 21.41 to get the chance to defend his Olympic title in Paris. It was his best time since 2022 and ranks fourth in the world. Notre Dame’s Chris Guiliano was second in 21.69.

“The big priority of my career was how long can I be dominant,” Dressel said. “That’s still a little bit of my mindset but I think it’s switching a little bit to what can I show this younger generation. I might just be at the age maybe showing these guys something that they didn’t think they were capable of doing. I’m not saying I’m giving up. I want to be dominant as long as I can, but there’s a little bit of a shift.”

After a long layoff to regain his passion for the sport, Dressel proved he is still dominant.

“Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s tough, that was a tough one,” Dressel said. “I was not super confident until I got up on the block. There’s only so much you can do in the 50. It’s head down and go fast.

“I really feel like I am loving this sport again,” Dressel said. “Feeling the love from everyone, it’s really special.”

In another emotional final, Carson Foster won the 200-meter individual medley in 1:55.65, just ahead of Shaine Casas in 1:55.83. Both train at Texas bringing a huge smile to 82-year-old legendary coach Eddie Reese who has retired but coaching his swimmers at Trials and Olympics.

Casas, who has just missed Olympic spots in past Trials, sealed his first Olympic appearance. After the race he was emotional hugging Foster and leaning against the lane lane fighting back tears. His feelings were the most poignant during media interviews.

“I think I’m going to remember that race for the rest of my life,” Casas said. “It wasn’t my best race, it wasn’t even my fastest race. But that race represented my entire life’s work. I can’t really put into words what that means to me.

“It wasn’t even just about me today. My mom, my grandparents, my friends, family and teammates. Everyone who supported me and pushed me even when I felt like I couldn’t keep going. Without them that would never have happened. I can confidently say I would not be where I am without my family, my friends and teammates. That support system that I have behind me.

“This means everything,” Casas said. “Since I was a kid, it’s all I dreamed about. Now I won’t have to pretend to be an Olympian, I am an Olympian.”

Regan Smith continued her dominance, after breaking the world record in the 100 backstroke, she won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:05.16 to earn her first Olympic spot in the event. Phoebe Bacon just nudged out Claire Curzan for second in 2:06.27-2:06.34. The U.S. now has five of the top 10 in the 200 backstroke in the world this year.

“I’m incredibly proud of this performance,” Smith said. “I ran out of gas in that last race, but it’s been a great meet for me.”

North Carolina State-bound Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics became the first Florida Gold Coast swimmer to advance into tonight’s final of the 100-meter butterfly. He was seventh in prelims in 52.13 and eighth in semifinals in a lifetime-best 51.64. Coming into the meet his best time was 52.51. He dropped 0.87 seconds.

For the first time in the history of the Trials, the event is being held inside the National Football League’s Lucas Oil Stadium and attracting record crowds.

Among local swimmers’ five day action:

University of Florida’ s Anna Auld of West Palm Beach of St. Andrew’s Swimming was eighth in his heat of the 800-meter freestyle in 8:56.64.

N.C. State-bound Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics eighth in 100-meter butterfly in 51.64 in semis to advance into finals.

More than 1,000 swimmers including ten from Florida Gold Coast Swimming, are competing for 52 spots (two swimmers per individual event) on Team USA headed to the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Summer Olympics. The trials are being featured on prime time television coverage each night on USA Network, NBC and Peacock.

Each day features a preliminary session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with races to determine who will advance to the semifinals and finals. The semifinals and finals sessions take place from 8-10 p.m. depending on TV coverage with at least one Olympian named to Team USA every night.

FRIDAY FINALS
WOMEN
200-meter backstroke:

Regan Smith, TXLA 2:05.16, 2. Phoebe Bacon, UW 2:06.27, 3. Claire Curzan, TAC 2:06.34.

MEN
50-meter freestyle:

Caeleb Dressel, GSC 21.41, 2. Chris Guiliano, ND 21.69, 3. Matt King, TFA 21.70.

200-meter individual medley:

Carson Foster, TXLA 1:55.65, 2. Shaine Casas, TXLA 1:55.83, 3. Kieran Smith, RAC 1:56.97.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 22: Women’s 50 Freestyle, Men’s 100 butterfly, Women 800 freestyle, Women 200 IM, Men 1500 freestyle.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Bolles Alum Ryan Murphy, Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, Lilly King All Earn Second Olympic Races At U.S. Trials

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 21, 2024—Ryan Murphy, Regan Smith, Kate Douglass and Lilly King all secured second individual events at the Paris Summer Olympics Thursday night at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

King, however, got the best piece of hardware at the Olympic Trials. After qualifying in the 200-meter breaststroke with a second place, her fiance former Indiana University swimmer James Wells, proposed to her. She said “yes.”

King also became the first U.S. swimmer to swim both the 100 and 200 breaststrokes at three consecutive Olympic Games.

“I didn’t see it” Murphy said. “That’s unbelievable. I’d love to hear her reaction to how it is to get proposed completely out of breath and soaked. That’s incredible. She must be riding an absolute high.”

Murphy, a Jacksonville Bolles alum was also on an absolute high winning the 200-meter backstroke in 1:54.33. He also won the in the 100 backstroke earlier in the week. Cal training meet Keaton Jones was second in 1:54.61.

“The last 25, you’re just battling,” said an emotional Murphy after punching the water looking at the scoreboard. “Nothing feels good the last 25. It’s like, all right, how can hold this stroke together against the wall, get this done and finish the job?”

Smith won the women’s 200-meter butterfly in 2:05.70 after setting a world record in the 100 backstroke.

Douglass followed up her win a night earlier in the 100-meter freestyle with a win in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:19.46. King finished second in 2:21.93.

“I’m really happy with both of those wins I’ve had so far,” Douglass said. “That was my goal coming into the meet. I was confident in myself, and I’m really happy I was able to pull it off.”

For the first time in the history of the Trials, the event is being held inside the National Football League’s Lucas Oil Stadium and attracting record crowds.

Among local swimmers’ five day action:
Reese Branzell of Athens Bulldogs and St. Andrew’s Swimming was 33rd in the 50-meter freestyle in 22.58.

N.C. State-bound Kaii Winkler of Broward Aquatics was 38th in the 50-meter freestyle in 22.70.

Stanford’s Josh Zuchowski of FAST finished 12th in the semifinals of the 200-meter backstroke in 1:59.59.

TUESDAY FINALS
WOMEN
200-meter butterfly: 1. Regan Smith, TXLA 2:05.70, 2. Alex Shackell, CSC 2:06.69, 3. Lindsay Looney, TXLA 2:07.03.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Kate Douglass, NYAC 2:19.46, 2. Lilly King, ISC 2:21.93, 3. Alex Walsh, NAC 2:22.38.

MEN
200-meter backstroke: 1. Ryan Murphy, CAL 1:54.33, 2. Keaton Jones, CAL 1:54.61, 3. Jack Atkins, SA 1:54.78.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS SCHEDULE

Friday, June 21: Men’s 100 Butterfly, Women’s 200 IM, Women’s 800 Freestyle.

Saturday, June 22: Women’s 50 Freestyle, Men’s 1500 Freestyle.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Matt Fallon Breaks American Record; Attendance Sets New Record At U.S. Olympic Trials

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 20, 2024—In front of another record crowd Wednesday night at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, Matt Fallon broke the American record in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Fallon of Warren, N.J. and University of Pennsylvania, won the 200-meter breaststroke in an American record 2:06.54. In the 2021 Olympic Trials Fallon finished eighth in the 200 breast. Now Fallon is one of 11 swimmers to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the first from Penn.

“I’ve been eyeing that record for a while,” said Fallon of the eight-year-old American record. “I knew I had the capability to do it. I know I’ve had it in me this entire time. I just really wanted to be able to go out and do it on the biggest stage.

“I just wanted to do mainly the same thing I did in semis,” Fallon said. “I was strong. I tried to keep it together even though I went out fast. I just tried to hammer it home in the last 50.

With 22,209 attendees, the crowd reset the record for the largest swim meet ever breaking the previous record of 20,689.

To open up the championship finals, Kate Douglass, New York Athletic Club, Torri Huske, Arlington Aquatic Club, Gretchen Walsh, University of Virginia) and Simone Manuel, Sun Devil Swimming secured spots for the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

“I didn’t realize how hard it is to truly make Team USA until you’re competing for that spot,” Huske said. “And to make it three times is just an insane accomplishment.”

For Manuel, who took time off after diagnosed with overtraining syndrome, it was a successful comeback.

“People say they all fade, but the memories are things that will last forever,” Manuel said. “I’m just so proud of myself, my character, what I’ve learned through this process. And more than anything, having fun in this sport again.”

Teenager Thomas Heilman of Cavalier Aquatics/Piedmont Family YMCA stunned the field to win the 200-meter butterfly in 1:54.50 followed by Luca Urlando of DART in 1:55.08 to make their first Olympic teams.

“Looking up at the board and seeing my name at the top was…it was really special,” said the 17-year-old after making his first Olympic team. “It’s a goal I’ve had for years now, and to see it up there, it was a little bit of disbelief.”

Katie Ledecky, Gator Swim Club, soaking up the record crowd and swimming in a football stadium, won her third event, the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:37.35. Katie Grimes of Las Vegas Sandpipers was second in 15:57.77.

“It’s been awesome,” said the all-time greatest woman swimmer. “I think it blew away all of our expectations. It’s just really neat to walk out of that tunnel every night for finals, or even for prelims races, and hear the excitement that everyone has. To see little kids in the stands with posters and big smiles and cheering really loud, I mean, that’s what it’s all about. It’s really neat that we’re chasing our dreams and pursuing these big goals, and just as a by-product of that, we’re inspiring some of these little kids. I’m sure many of them will be at future Olympic Trials, and that’s really exciting.”

In the final event, the men’s 4×100-meter freestyle was also decided with first-time Olympians Chris Guiliano of University of Notre Dame and Jack Alexy of California Aquatics taking the top two individual spots, followed by former world record holder Caeleb Dressel (Green Cove Springs, Fla./Gator Swim Club/Bolles alum) and Tokyo Olympian Hunter Armstrong.

“I’m just excited,” Alexy said. “It’s a bit of a relief to finally officially make the team. I am happy with my swim, my time, and my place. It’s legendary and a dream come true to think about the people who have come before me.”

Including open water and pool swimming events, USA Swimming has confirmed 27 athletes for the Olympics.

For the first time in the history of the Trials, the event is being held inside the National Football League’s Lucas Oil Stadium and attracting record crowds.

Among local swimmers’ five day action:

Stanford’s Josh Zuchowski of FAST finished 12th in the semifinals of the 200-meter backstroke in 1:59.59.

TUESDAY FINALS
WOMEN
100-meter freestyle:

Kate Douglass, NYAC 52.56, 2. Torri Huske, AAC 52.93, 3. Gretchen Walsh, NAC 53.13, 4. Simone Manuel, SUN 53.25.

1500-meter freestyle:

Katie Ledecky, GSC 15:37.35, 2. Katie Grimes, SAND 15:57.77, 3. Ashley Twichell, TAC 16:08.07.

MEN
200-meter butterfly:

Thomas Heilman, CA 1:54.50, 2. Luca Urlando, DART 1:55.08, 3. Mason Laur, UF 1:55.37.

200-meter breaststoke: 1. Matt Fallon, UPN 2:06.54, 2. Josh Metheny, ISC 2:08.86, 3. Ananias Pouch, VT 2:09.05.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Chris Guiliano, ND 47.38, 2. Jack Alexy, CAL 47.47, 3. Caeleb Dressel, GSC 47.53, 4. Hunter Armstrong, NYAC 47.78.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 20: Women’s 200 Backstroke, Men’s 50 Freestyle, Men’s 200 IM.

Friday, June 21: Men’s 100 Butterfly, Women’s 200 IM, Women’s 800 Freestyle.

Saturday, June 22: Women’s 50 Freestyle, Men’s 1500 Freestyle.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Lismar Lyon Breaks Meet Record, Wins At Spanish National Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
Palma de Mallorca, Spain, June 18, 2024–SOFLO’s Lismar Lyon of Venezuela broke her first meet record at the Absolute Spanish Championship Open Trials Paris 2024.

The Olympic hopeful broke the meet record in the 50-meter butterfly in 26.75. She was third fastest in prelims in 27.25. The previous record was 26.78.

The 23-year-old hopes to make her first Olympic Games when she goes for the cut in the 50-meter freestyle on Friday. She needs to go 24.8 or better.

SOFLO teammate Juan Vallmitjana, 15, of Spain was second in the 800-meter freestyle in 8:09.90.

SOFLO has two other swimmers competing at the FINA-approved international meet including pro breaststrokers Julio Horrego of Honduras and Eric Veit of Venezuela.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Five-Time Olympian Dara Torres Named Boston College Head Swimming & Diving Coach

By Sharon Robb
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass., June 19, 2024—Dara Torres, one of the most decorated Olympians in United States history, was named head men’s and women’s swimming & diving coach at Boston College.

Torres, 57, is a familar face in South Florida. After the birth of her daughter Tessa Grace Torres-Hoffman, she was persuaded to begin training again at age 41. She began working with six-time Olympic coach Michael Lohberg at Coral Springs Swim Club. She qualified for her fifth Olympics in 2008 and became the oldest swimmer to earn a place on the U.S. Olympic team. She ended up winning silver medals in the 50-meter freestyle, 4×100-meter medley and freestyle relays.

“I always wanted to coach but having a daughter and being a single mom it just wasn’t conducive time wise for me to do this,” Torres told former Olympic teammate Melvin Stewart, co-founder of SwimSwam Magazine during the U.S. Olympic Trials.

“My daughter is going off to Penn State and this job came open and I thought why not be able to give my knowledge back to the kids who are up and coming and teach them what I have learned from some of the best coaches in the world. And, doing it at an institution like Boston College is unbelievable.”

Torres, only the fourth head coach in the program’s history, will have her work cut out for her.

The Eagles program has been in hot water since the ACC school was hit with allegations for hazing. In September, 2023, The Heights, BC’s independent school newspaper, reported that the allegations included freshmen swimmers were pressured to binge drink and consume their own vomit during a series of team parties.

The program was suspended indefinitely and in 2024 the entire season was canceled and second-year head coach Joe Brinkman and his staff were dismissed. Despite the program being in limbo, swimmers were still committing to the program. Boston College does not offer any scholarships for the swimming and diving programs.

“What I say to the naysayers is “bring it on,” Torres said. “The more naysayers and the more of a challenge, the better I do. It’s their opinion and not my opinion and my opinion is what counts.”

A six-time world record holder and 10-time American record holder throughout her competitive career, Torres made five appearances in the Olympic games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2008), earning of 12 medals: four gold, four silver, and four bronze. She made her first U.S. national team at age 14 and broke her first world record as a 15-year old in the 50-meter freestyle.

As a coach, Torres has helped coach and mentor swimmers of various ages and skill levels, while serving as an advocate in leadership roles for the sport.

“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Torres said. “I’ve learned from great coaches at every point in my career. This opportunity to share what I’ve learned, in and out of the pool, and pass along technique, confidence, and support as part of the Boston College Athletics Department is a dream. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

Her Olympic career spanned 24 years. Torres represented the United States as a 17-year old at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. It ended as the oldest female swimmer to compete at 41 at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

In 2009, Torres earned a trio of major awards: the ESPY Award for Best Comeback, the Thurman Munson Award, given to New York City athletes for their achievements and humanitarian efforts, and World Fair Play Award for best sportsmanship at the Olympics.

Well versed in water safety education, Torres also serves as an Ambassador with the USA Swimming Foundation as well as the American chapter of Princess Charlene of Monaco’s Foundation, a global organization that strives to prevent drowning and to develop the education of children through the values of sport.

A 1990 graduate of the University of Florida, Torres was a 28-time All-American and was named the 1988 SEC Female Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

She was also inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2016 in Fort Lauderdale and the United States Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame in 2019 for her achievements and contributions to athletics.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Regan Smith Breaks World Record; Finke Makes Second Olympic Team; SOFLO’s Juan Mora Makes Trials Debut

By Sharon Robb
INDIANAPOLIS, June 19, 2024—Regan Smith came full circle breaking the 100-meter backstroke world record Tuesday night at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Smith, 22, won in 57.13, easily beating the record of 57.33 set a year ago by Australia’s Kaylee McKeown. It was the second world record at the Trials.

In Tuesday’s only other final, reigning Olympic champion Bobby Finke won the 800-meter freestyle, holding off teenager Luke Whitlock.

Smith said her world record was five years in the making when she was 17 and first set a world record in the 100 backstroke at the 2019 World Championships. But she struggled with the pressure that comes with being a world record holder.

“A long time coming,” said Smith who has regained her confidence with the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman. “It’s about time.”

Smith started working with a sports psychologist. Bowman also upped her training and workouts.

“This is incredibly rewarding,” Smith said. “When I was a teenager, I had not done much. There was no pressure on me. I was always the youngest. No one expected much from me. I could go into it fearless.”

But it was hard to return to world record form, she said. She made the Tokyo Olympics, but finished third in the backstroke with McKeown winning the gold medal.

“I’ve always had it physically, but I didn’t have it mentally,” Smith said. “I just didn’t have it up here.”

Reigning Olympic champion Finke, 24, of St. Petersburg Aquatics and favorite of SOFLO swimmers since his visit to Academic Village Pool, won the 800-meter freestyle in 7:44.22. The University of Florida alum will attempt to defend his title won in Tokyo.

Finke held off 18-year-old Indiana phenom Luke Whitlock, who set a national age-group record at 7:45.19.

“I find I need pressure to do well, at least in my eyes,” Finke said. “So I feel like the more pressure I feel, then the more likely I am to do well. Happy with the time we got.”

Whitlock is expected to be the youngest male swimmer to make the U.S. team since Michael Phelps, who was 15 when he qualified for his first Olympics in Sydney, Australia in 2000.

“It’s really just over the last year, especially the last two months, my training has really picked up and now just talking to my coach, we just had a really good plan,” Whitlock said. “We kind of got everything planned out like a month and a half before this and I was just really confident with the work I’ve been putting in, so I knew I could execute it.”

Two of America’s biggest swimming stars, Caeleb Dressel and Simone Manuel, had impressive debuts at the trials.

Bolles alum Dressel was the third-fastest qualifier in the prelims and semifinals of the men’s 100 freestyle. Manuel was the fastest qualifier in the women’s 100 freestyle preliminaries and took the second spot behind Torri Huske in the semifinals.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Juan Mora was 68th in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:17.41 in his U.S. Olympic Trials debut. Mora was one of six swimmers from the Navy men’s swim team to qualify for the Trials. The rising sophomore earned second team All-League honors this season. Mora qualified for Trials with a time of 2:15.31. Navy has sent at least one swimmer to nine straight Olympic Trials since 1992.

For the first time in the history of the Trials, the event is being held inside the National Football League’s Lucas Oil Stadium and attracting record crowds.

Among local swimmers third day action:

Erika Pelaez of Eagle Aquatics was 13th in the 100-meter freestyle in 54.65 to advance to semifinals where she placed 16th in 55.06.

Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics was fifth in his heat and 25th overall in the 100-meter freestyle in 49.22.

Dylan Felt of Swim Fort Lauderdale was 39th in the 800-meter freestyle in 8:09.55.

Reese Branzell of St. Andrew’s Swimming and Athens Bulldogs was 15th in his 100-meter freestyle prelim in a best time 48.70 and 16th in semifinals in 48.91.

University of Florida’s Anna Auld of West Palm Beach and St. Andrew’s Swimming was 37th in the 1500-meter freestyle.

Ilya (Alex) Evdokimov of Team North Carolina and formerly Coral Springs Swim Club and Taravella alum, was 33rd in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:14.64.

Giulian Martin of Hurricane Aquatics was 43rd in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:15.25.

Each day features a preliminary session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with races to determine who will advance to the semifinals and finals. The semifinals and finals sessions take place from 7:45-8 p.m. depending on TV coverage, to 10 p.m. with an Olympian named to Team USA every night.

TUESDAY FINALS
WOMEN
100-meter backstroke:

Regan Smith, TXLA 47.13, WORLD RECORD, 2. Katharine Berkoff, WOLF 57.91, 3. Kennedy Noble, WOLF 58.81.

MEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Bobby Finke, SPA 7:44.22, 2. Luke Whitlock, FAST 7:45.19, 3. Daniel Matheson, SUN 7:49.34.

U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS SCHEDULE

Wednesday, June 19: Women’s 200 Breaststroke, Men’s 200 Backstroke, Women’s 200 Butterfly.

Thursday, June 20: Women’s 200 Backstroke, Men’s 50 Freestyle, Men’s 200 IM.

Friday, June 21: Men’s 100 Butterfly, Women’s 200 IM, Women’s 800 Freestyle.

Saturday, June 22: Women’s 50 Freestyle, Men’s 1500 Freestyle.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com