USA Swimming has released the selection criteria for many of the biggest non-Olympic meets in the next 36 months, including most notably the World Short Course Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Still no release, though, on the World University Games roster selection criteria, which has drawn some controversy after it was announced that USA Swimming would be taking half as many swimmers in 2013 as they did in 2011.
2012 World Short Course Championships
As for the World Short Course Championships, the team will be assembled (from those who are interested) from the top-two times from the following meets:
Olympic Trials in late June/July in Omaha
Olympics in late July/August in London, England
U.S. Open in early August in Indianapolis
Swimmers will be added up to a maximum of 26 men and 26 women (which is usually more than enough to fill all individual spots plus plenty of relay-only swimmers if necessary) – with the top two swimmers in each of the Olympic individual events, plus an extra two in the 100 and 200 freestyle for relays. On the off-chance that not many swimmers qualify as doubles, there’s a whole other procedure for chosing who gets to go that will likely be irrelevant.
For Non-Olympic events, the two entrants of the closest Olympic races will get first choice. That means the 50 fly/back/breast will first be offered to the two entrants in the 100 fly/back breast. The women’s 800 freestylers will be given first option at the 1500 free.
In the men’s 800, the situation is a bit different. Whoever (among the 400 freestylers and the 1500 freestylers) has the highest event rankings on September 1, 2012 will receive the first choice.
If a swimmer declines a position in a non-Olympic event (like we saw Amanda Beard do in the 50, which then went to Jessica Hardy, last year), then that position goes to the swimmer who has the fastest time in that race in 2012 up until November 14th. If, after that, the event is still open, then the National Team coaches get to make the call.
Other Meets
The 2012 Junior Pan Pacific Championships will be held in Honolulu from August 23rd-26th. Up to 20 men and 20 women will be taken. The priority will begin with the fastest swimmer in each individual event, plus the 2nd-fastest in the 100 and 200 freestyles.
Next bids will go to the 2nd-fastest in all of the other Olympic Events. Then the 3rd-fastest in each Olympic event. This means that relays will not necessarily be the four-best 100 and 200 freestylers.
Once chosen to the team, a swimmer can enter an unlimited number of events. Remember that the Pan Pac rules allow for an unlimited number of entries into any event, but only two from each country are allowed to advance to the final.
Swimmers who have not been a member of a higher-level team only are eligible (so no Olympic/World Championship Teamers, swimmers who traveled to the Japan Grand Prix, World Championship Team Members, etc.) This ensures that a broad-base of swimmers are exposed to the valuable experience that these meets provide.
The only selection meet for Jr. Pan Pacs will be the Olympic Trials, though prelims, semi-finals, and finals times will count (relay lead-offs and time trials will not). USA Swimming will also not go past the 6th-best junior swimmer to find an entry.
All current USA Swimming selection criteria can be found on this page.
The primary reason that US Trials are held in late June/early July is the conflict with the NCAA Championship season (March). I don’t see the NCAA changing its championship date and I don’t see USA Swimming wanting to conflict with the NCAA if its avoidable so while our Trials date might not be perfect it works well enough under the circumstances.
BTW, the 1992 and 1996 Trials were held earlier….and I would not say that performance was far superior (in fact some would argue 1992 did not work out as well as expected). Still I understand your question since the rest of the world outside the US believes the earlier dates are beneficial. I think the US proves that… Read more »
Yes, I was waiting for a long time an article about selections in USA. Excuse me for possible english faults, I make some efforts and I think for someone from France my english level is good.
On swimming world they have recently asked 2 questions. The first was absolutely incredible. Is Kosuke Kitajima the greatest swimmer of all time? Perhaps they have a little bit drunk. The second was by far the most interesting. How long before olympic games is it the best time to hold trials? And it goes perfectly with your article Braden.
As a simple swimming fan I want to ask this. Why do USA hold their trials so late in the season? I’m not… Read more »