2024 U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS
- June 15-23, 2024
- Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis, IN
- LCM (50 Meters)
- Session Start Times (ET):
- 11 a.m. Prelims
- 7:45 p.m. Finals (varying based on broadcast needs)
- Meet Central
- Broadcast Info
- SwimSwam’s Definitive Guide to Trials
- Psych Sheets
- Live Results
- SwimSwam Preview Index
- SwimSwam Pick ’em Contest
- Day 1 Prelims Heat Sheet
The final event of the first U.S. Olympic Trials prelim session saw young guns continue to rise.
Two budding stars, Luke Whitlock (18) and Luka Mijatovic (15), clocked personal best times in the event. Whitlock stunned the final heat with a big-time swim of 3:46.42, which absolutely obliterated his previous lifetime standard of 3:49.10.
At last month’s Indy May Cup, Whitlock posted lifetime bests in the 400/800/1500 freestyle, swimming 3:49.10/7:50.20/15:07.94. It’s clear that he’s made yet another leap forward in just a month’s time, and he was already a real threat to contend for a Paris spot in the 800 free prior to this morning’s drop. He is slated to join the Florida Gators swim team, where he will train alongside the likes of Bobby Finke, Kieran Smith, and Katie Ledecky.
Whitlock rocketed himself to the 2nd fastest 17-18 400 freestyler in U.S. History with his swim.
All-Time Performers, U.S. Boys’ 17-18 400 Freestyle (LCM)
- Larsen Jensen, 3:46.08 – 2004
- Luke Whitlock, 3:46.42 – 2024
- Michael Phelps, 3:46.73 – 2003
- Klete Keller / Aaron Shackell, 3:47.00 – 2000 / 2003
- –
Mijatovic, on the other hand, punched a time of 3:50.71 to lower his previous best of 3:51.18 from March. That makes him the fastest 15-year-old American ever, and 2nd fastest in the 15-16 age group. He narrowly missed the Larson Jensen’s NAG record of 3:50.68. He placed 12th overall and is anticipated to line-up for the 200, 800, and 1500 distances later next week.
Full Results (Final Qualifiers):
- Luke Whitlock (FAST), 3:46.42
- David Johnston (TST), 3:47.17
- Jake Mitchell (FLOR), 3:47.76
- Aaron Shackell (CSC), 3:47.96
- Jake Magahey (SA), 3:48.16
- Kieran Smith (RAC), 3:48.25
- Daniel Matheson (SUN), 3:48.57
- Bobby Finke (SPA), 3:48.63
How many people had Whitlock anywhere in the top 4 in this event for their pick’ems?
Would be nice if Mijatovic and a few other young guys could get a second swim in a B final but no such luck
Cue Shaine Casas joke
To Whitlock:
https://giphy.com/gifs/with-wasnt-famililar-rflhqDbuhqDD7I0k4X
For as much as this event has been maligned, it’s going to be a very exciting race tonight. I have absolutely no idea who’s going to get top 2 (Whitlock could, but I still think the 800 is his better chance). Finke’s front half looked really good for him–his first 200 was over a second faster than he’s gone before. Still a threat to make the team in this event, even from lane 8
For Finke this is a bonus. It’s mainly to do some speed work. I still think Johnston and Smith will likely be the top two, winning time 3.45 which we know won’t be competitive in Paris
Florida having a good meet so far 🐊
half of the men’s 400 free final is former, current, or future Florida Gators
Enjoying all the people waking up to Whitlock today. He’s been seriously underrated. The 800 will be even better, I think.
1500 too
Luka a kid I dubbed the “next Phelps” and loved is more likely to make Junior Pan Pacs then the Olympics…..
you’re nowhere near the first person to call a fast age grouper the next phelps. tone down the expectations and let him swim
Future is bright! 😎