Another 13-Year-Old, Kate Douglass, Punches Ticket to 2016 Trials

Kate Douglass of Westchester Aquatic Club is the latest 13-year-old to earn an invitation to compete at the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials, after blazing to a 25.80 finish in the 50 free in Time Trials at Juniors this afternoon.

Douglass joins Abigail Arens of the Marlins of Raleigh, who earned her OT cut today in the 200 breast, and Regan Smith (100/200 back), Alex Walsh (100/200 back), and Ella Nelson (200 breast), all of whom qualified in June.

Prior to today’s swim, Douglass’ 26.58 was the third-fastest 50 free in the country this season for 13-year-old girls, and the ninth-fastest for the entire 13-14 age group. After her 25.80, she becomes the top 13-year-old, and the second in girls’ 13-14.

Douglass also moves up to the fourth postion on the all-time list for the girls’ 13-14 age category, joining some of USA Swimming’s top names.

25.23 Missy Franklin 2009 CO STAR
25.38 Lia Neal 2009 MR AGUA
25.54 Anya Goeders 2015 IN MAKO
25.80 Kate Douglass 2015 MR WEST
25.96 Rachel Wittmer 2013 MN AQJT
26.02 Amanda Weir 2000 GA SA
26.02 p Maddy Schaefer 2008 PC DACA
26.03 Taylor Ruck 2015 AZ SAC
26.04 Dara Torres 1982 FG CSSC
26.06 Isabelle Henig 2015 PC PASA
26.09 Jenny Thompson 1987 MR NYAC

Douglass arrived in San Antonio last night and had planned to Time-Trial the 100 breast today, but scheduling issues made her change plans. She “settled” for the 50 free and knocked it out of the park on her first attempt.