The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials kicked off with an impressive performance by Gretchen Walsh, who broke the world record in the semi-finals of the women’s 100 butterfly. She clocked in at 55.18, surpassing Sarah Sjostrom’s record of 55.48 set in 2016. Walsh’s remarkable swim was the highlight of the evening, with the women’s 100 fly final scheduled for the next day.
In addition to Walsh’s record-breaking swim, Katie Ledecky and Aaron Shackell secured their spots at the Paris Olympics by winning the women’s and men’s 400 freestyle events. Shackell and Ledecky showed impressive performances, with Shackell qualifying for the first time and Ledecky for the fourth.
The finals qualifiers for the women’s 100 fly included Gretchen Walsh, Torri Huske, Regan Smith, Alex Shackell, Claire Curzan, Emma Sticklen, Beata Nelson, and Kelly Pash. Meanwhile, the men’s 400 free top qualifiers were Aaron Shackell, Kieran Smith, David Johnston, Bobby Finke, Luke Whitlock, Jake Magahey, Daniel Matheson, and Jake Mitchell.
Katie Ledecky led the women’s 400 free event, followed by Paige Madden, Jillian Cox, Aurora Roghair, Kayla Han, Anna Peplowski, Leah Smith, and Madi Mintenko. Overall, the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials promised an exciting and competitive journey for swimmers aiming to represent the United States at the upcoming Olympics.