We sat down again with SwimSwam photographer Mike Lewis to pick out some of our favorite photographs from 2016. Earlier this week we looked back at the best undewater photos of the year, now we’re excited to share the best swimming photos 2016: above the surface.
Michael Phelps training at ASU prior the 2016 Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Sun Yang warms up at the Pro Swim in Santa Clara (photo: Mike Lewis)
Nathan Adrian off with the wind for the win in the 50 free at the 2016 Pro Swim Series stop in Mesa, Arizona (photo: Mike Lewis)
Reflecting Michael Phelps (photo: Mike Lewis)
Ryan Lochte dryland training in San Diego with SwimMAC (photo: Mike Lewis)
Olivia Smoliga takes the victory walk in Omaha at the 2016 Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Katie Ledecky at the 2016 Arena Pro Swim Mesa (photo: Mike Lewis)
Mitch Larkin tuning up in June at the Pro Swim Series stop in Santa Clara, California (photo: Mike Lewis)
Michael Phelps (photo: Mike Lewis)
Maya DiRado with the win (again) at the 2016 Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Katie Ledecky on her way to the blocks in Mesa, Arizona (photo: Mike Lewis)
Michael Phelps with then fiancée Nicole and son Boomer at the 2016 Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Breeja Larson wins 200 breaststroke before her hometown fans in Mesa, Arizona (photo: Mike Lewis)
David Plummer (photo: Mike Lewis)
Anthony Ervin takes a bow in Omaha at the Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Cammile Adams Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa, Arizona (photo: Mike Lewis)
Michael Phelps (photo: Mike Lewis)
Missy Franklin hits the water in the semi finals of the 200 back at teh Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Zach Harting as batman in the finals of the 200 fly at the Mesa Pro Swim Series stop (photo: Mike Lewis)
Missy Franklin and Caitlin Leverenz warm up at the Mesa Pro Swim Series (photo: Mike Lewis)
Leah Smith race ready at the 2016 Olympic trials (photo: Mike Lewis)
Olympic Champion Josh Davis cheering for Michaeal Andrew during the 100 breast finals (photo: Mike Lewis)
Chad Le Clos sets world record in 100 fly at the FINA Short Course Worlds Windsor, Canada (photo: Mike Lewis)
Sun Yang
I like how Mike is able to take and publish a great photo of Nathan Adrian from behind the starting blocks at a Pro Swim, but somehow we have LSCs that won’t allow photography from behind the blocks. They are all wearing suits, it’s SafeSport going overboard.
Missy Franklin really does have ginormous feet (photo of her jumping in the water).
It’s an interesting photo because it looks like Missy is standing on the water.
The photo of Adrian leaping off the block is good – what does he look like – a bird?