U.S. Nationals Day One: A Preview of Exciting Races
The highly anticipated U.S. Nationals is set to begin in Indianapolis on Tuesday, marking a significant event for USA Swimming. Returning to the IUPUI Natatorium for the first time since 2017, this meet serves as the qualifier for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. It also acts as a crucial opportunity for elite swimmers to gain international racing experience in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The anticipation is high as swimmers showcase their skills and vie for a chance to represent the United States on the global stage.
Day one of the meet features six thrilling events: the women’s and men’s 200 butterfly, the women’s and men’s 100 freestyle, the women’s 800 freestyle, and the men’s 1500 freestyle. With standout performances like Regan Smith’s recent American record in the women’s 200 fly and the dominance of reigning Olympic champions Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke in their respective distance races, fans can expect intense competition from start to finish.
The Battle for 400 Free Relay Supremacy
An intriguing storyline of the 100 freestyle event is the opportunity for swimmers to secure spots on the 400 freestyle relay teams for the World Championships. While the American men have seen unprecedented success in this relay since the 2016 Olympics, the American women have yet to capture a global title since 2017. The legendary Caeleb Dressel has played a crucial role as the leadoff swimmer, leading the team to numerous victories alongside talented teammates.
However, Dressel’s journey in the past year has been marked by health concerns, a training hiatus, and a recent return to competition. While his performance at Nationals may not reach his personal best, his presence alone provides a significant boost to the American relays. Nevertheless, the Americans will need exceptionally fast times in the 100 free to assemble a relay that matches gold-medal caliber. International rivals such as Australia’s Kyle Chalmers and Flynn Southam pose formidable challenges, alongside contenders from Italy, Great Britain, and other countries.
The field for this year’s 100 free event includes only a handful of swimmers who have ever broken the 48-second barrier, with Dressel, Brooks Curry, and Ryan Held among them. As 17 swimmers on the psych sheet have entry times under 49.00, names like Justin Ress, Drew Kibler, and Hunter Armstrong are likely to enter the mix after qualifying for Worlds last year. The event also presents an opportunity for versatile swimmers like Shaine Casas and Matt King to make their mark.
With so much talent and potential waiting to be unleashed, the first day of U.S. Nationals promises thrilling races, fierce competition, and the emergence of new stars in the swimming world.
Day One Predictions:
Women’s 200 Butterfly
1. Regan Smith
2. Hali Flickinger
Men’s 200 Butterfly
1. Carson Foster
2. Gabriel Jett
Women’s 100 Freestyle
1. Torri Huske
2. Abbey Weitzeil
3. Claire Curzan
4. Gretchen Walsh
5. Natalie Hinds
6. Erika Brown
Men’s 100 Freestyle
1. Ryan Held
2. Brooks Curry
3. Hunter Armstrong
4. Caeleb Dressel
5. Shaine Casas
6. Jack Alexy
Women’s 800 Freestyle
1. Katie Ledecky
2. Katie Grimes
Men’s 1500 Freestyle
1. Bobby Finke
2. Will Gallant
