2020 US Tokyo Olympians Drew Kibler and Paige Madden have moved to train in Austin, Texas ahead of the 2024 Olympic Trials that begin on June 15th in Indianapolis, Indiana. The two make the move after Bob Bowman took the job with the University of Texas at the beginning of April.
Both swimmers had previously been training at Arizona State as Kibler arrived at the end of last summer while Madden announced her move to the program at the beginning of September 2023. Kibler swam for the University of Texas during his collegaite career so he is returning to a familiar area.
Just over a week ago, SwimSwam posted a summary on where everyone training at Arizona State was headed. Kibler and Madden had been unknown as they have competed under New York Athletic Club (NYAC).
Kibler currently stands as the #2 American in the men’s 200 freestyle this season with a 1:46.02. He also is the #3 American in the 400 freestyle this season. He looks to make his second Olympics after swimming on the men’s 4×200 freestyle relay in Tokyo in 2020(1). Kibler has been a consistent member of the US International roster as he also made the 2022 adn 2023 World Championship teams for the US.
Madden also looks to make her second Olympic team as she swam in finals of the 400 freestyle as well as on the prelims relay of the women’s 4×200 freestyle as they went on to silver. Madden currently is the #2 American in the 400 freestyle this season as she sits only behind Katie Ledecky. Her season best of a 4:03.02 also stands as her personal best. She also sits as #3 in the 200 freestyle this season.
Did Kharun not like training with Bob or really likes Herbie? Or couldn’t get accepted into UT?
He was in Herbie’s group. So it makes sense he stayed.
With all the moving will that effect their preformance
I wonder where Luca Urlando is training in preparation for Trials
I think he’s in California
I must have misunderstood that Bowman was staying in Tempe until the Olympics. In the presser for his UT announcement I thought he said he would and even mentioned how they already had a good plan there for the Olympic push.
But he clearly has already moved.
I just thought it was a lot of extra things for so many Olympic hopefuls to no have to get used to a new area, find apartments, get moved in. etc etc. All within a couple weeks of tapper starting?
Seems inefficient for the swimmers.
But I could see them doing whatever it takes to keep the good swims coming and not trying to get their tapper right without their… Read more »
Does indeed seem stressful…wouldn’t be surpassed if they all rented a house together lol
There were photos with Leon in TX shortly after the Bowman announcement. Clearly wasn’t staying at ASU to even finish the semester as a “student athlete”
My understanding is that Leon is a pretty serious student and DID finish out his academic requirements at ASU — but that included trips to Texas for training (and a big trip to the OTC for training). A lot of school can be done remotely.
Not a surprise. Post-Grads in events 200 & up.
Thanks to both of you for your contributions while in Tempe and good luck in future endevours.(sp?)
I’d be surprised if we don’t see both in Paris.
Gasp
Why is summer mchintosh sponsored by Funkita swimwear instead of a big player like Speedo, Tyr or Arena?
Weird
I think she has both. Funkita doesn’t make tech suits, so she’s able to “double-dip” with sponsorships I think. Similar to the Walsh sisters and their SwimOutlet sponsorship.
Exactly. Just like the Walsh sisters have their Sporti line and are Arena athletes.
Edit- sorry to repeat you. I skimmed & missed it.
My understanding is that Funkita were very early to sponsor her and she’s their #1 athlete so they have a closer relationship than she does with other bigger swim brands. Honestly with Lululemon being a Canadian company I’m sure that partnership alone nets more than a traditional suit sponsorship
What’s the deal with Simone? Will she be going back and forth between Austin & Tempe?
Although, if she’s done post Olympics, I could see that back and forth making sense for the short period.