Erin Gemmell Left Off 2022 Worlds Team By Mistake; USA Swimming Apologizes for ‘Selection Error’
For the second year in a row, Katie Ledecky chose not to compete in the 200 freestyle at the World Championships, despite qualifying for the event. Ledecky prioritized her remaining individual events, which included the 400, 800, and 1500 freestyle, as well as the U.S. women’s 800 freestyle relay. As a result, Bella Sims took Ledecky’s spot in the 200 freestyle after finishing third in the event at Nationals. This decision was similar to last year when Leah Smith benefited from Ledecky’s absence.
This year, USA Swimming decided to add an additional relay swimmer to the roster due to Ledecky’s decision. Anna Peplowski was added to the Worlds team after finishing seventh in the 200 freestyle at the U.S. Nationals. However, there was no additional spot given to a relay swimmer in 2022, even when Erin Gemmell placed seventh in the event at the International Team Trials.
USA Swimming’s Apology and Admission of Mistake
USA Swimming has acknowledged that they made a mistake in the selection process last year. In a statement released by USA Swimming, they admitted the error and apologized to Erin Gemmell for not including her in the Worlds team. They clarified that in 2022, Gemmell, who finished as the 7th fastest in the 200 freestyle, was named to the Junior Pan Pacific Championships instead of the Worlds team. Gemmell went on to excel at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships, earning high point honors and leading the U.S. team to the top of the medal table.
This year, when a similar situation occurred with an athlete withdrawing from the 200 freestyle event, USA Swimming ensured they followed the correct selection procedures. This led to Anna Peplowski, who finished seventh in the event at the U.S. Nationals, being promoted to the Worlds team. Despite the correct decision this year, USA Swimming recognizes the disappointment caused to Gemmell, her coaches, and her family. They extend their sincerest apologies to Erin and celebrate her qualification to this year’s World Aquatics Championships team.
Gemmell’s Progress and Potential Contribution
After missing out on the Worlds team in 2022, Gemmell made significant improvements and became a 1:56-low 200 freestyler. She showcased her talent by winning six gold medals, three individually and three in relay events, at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. This year, Gemmell finished fourth in the 200 freestyle at the U.S. Nationals and her impressive 1:54.86 split at Junior Pan Pacs indicates she will be relied upon to deliver a strong performance in the relay events, particularly in the American women’s defense of their 800 free relay world title.
To read the full announcement from USA Swimming, click here.
