2016 U.S Olympic Trials: Day One Prelims Preview

2016 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS

• Sunday June 26th-Sunday July 3rd, 2016
• Century Link Center – Omaha, Nebraska
• Friday-Sunday – Prelims – 10:00 am EDT   Finals – 6:45 pm EDT
• SwimSwam Preview Links & Schedule
• NBC Televison Coverage Schedule
• Psych Sheets
• Sunday Heat Sheets

The long-awaited 2016 U.S Olympic Trials to select the American team that will represent the stars and stripes in Rio begin this morning. With it comes a fast start with big names competing on the first day.

Ryan Lochte will be looking to defend his 2012 Olympic Trials victory in the 400m IM up against teammate and rival Tyler Clary, as well as recent IM standout Chase Kalisz. Lochte took the top seed after prelims in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic trials, so look for him to attempt to continue that trend this morning.

The women’s 100m butterfly will feature 2012 Olympic gold medallist Dana Vollmer and recent American butterfly rockstar Kelsi Worrell. Worrell was on fire at last year’s Pan Am Games and killed it at this year’s NCAA Championships with a new American record in the 100 fly to finish off her collegiate career. Vollmer, on the other hand, is looking to come back to the top after some time off following the 2012 Olympics. Both women will look to lead heading into tonight’s semifinals.

Connor Jaeger and Conor Dwyer will be fighting to take the top seed in the men’s 400m freestyle where they’re both in a great position to make the team. There are plenty of up-and-comers eager to make their mark and get into that final.

Maya DiRado and Elizabeth Beisel will look to decide between the two of them who’s the queen of American medley swimming. Both have international experience, and both have been swimming extremely well. Beisel’s currently the fourth fastest swimmer this season in the event with DiRado sitting as the third fastest American with her performance from the Arena Pro Swim Series Orlando.

The men’s 100m breaststroke will have Cody Miller looking to keep his title as America’s breaststroke go-to ahead of Kevin Cordes. Young swimmers are eyeing this event like hungry wolves and will be looking to advance to the semifinals, nipping at the heels of these two leaders.

Following today’s prelims, we’ll get a picture of who might possibly be the first swimmers to gain selection to the team. There are six spots on the line in tonight’s finals, and this morning will be a dogfight for swimmers to establish themselves as an Olympic hopeful before the end of the session.