Carson Foster time trialed a 4:10.79 400 IM at last weekend’s Longhorn Elite Invite to avoid a 200 free/400IM double. That allowed him to get a full-strength time in both races.
Carson said at the meet that his Olympic Trials schedule was not set, that he was using the invite to make that determination. Foster indicated that he might be considering a focus on the 200 free at 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Foster split 1:43.94 on the 2024 Doha World Champs 4×200 free relay, and he’s been a factor on Team USA relays going back to 2022 World Championships. So, I can see the calculus. However, Foster was a 1:47.1 200 free at the Longhorn Elite Invite, and 1:47 doesn’t match-up compared to that 4:10.7. Both are great swims in-season, but at this point, I think we can bank on Foster swimming 400 IM in Indy. Foster’s 1:43.9 200 free split from Doha will leave it up to Olympic coaches to determine if that merits a spot on the Olympic 4×200. What do you think?
Carson Foster Predictions!
Foster touched 2nd in the 400 IM behind Leon Marchand at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Interestingly, he swam the same time, 4:06.56. At 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Foster makes his 1st U.S. Olympic Team, winning the 400 IM in 4:06 low, a new PB. I’d like to see him cut that to 4:04 plus in Paris chasing Leon. Off the strength of Foster’s 1:43.9 200 free split in Doha, and his consistency on the 4×200 going back to 2022, I say put him on the relay. But who cares what I think? It’s all about what you think. Drop your comments below.
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It’s a big meet. With bright lights and pressure. That answers your question for you.
I can see him get silver in the 400 IM, not gold because Marchand is unbeatable there with100m breaststroke. 200 IM maybe closer, less breaststroke, fewer underwaters, and 200 free speed. Should be on the 800 relay.
I definitely envision a scenario where the male contingent of USA Swimming will not have enough multiple individual event qualifiers affecting the number of relay only swimmers. This could be the worst year yet.
Who will choke more Foster or Ragean Smith?
Regan Smith doesn’t choke in big meets. She lost to better swimmers.
Foster… well..
Regan had a great 2019 WCs, then the pandemic hit, and it impacted all swimmers differently. Regan was transitioning to college, always a tough milestone. Regan has gradually returned to form and she’s been very consistent. I’m bullish on Regan (and Carson) in Paris.
why even entertain this guy, Mel?
I think Regan is fantastic but the pandemic excuse has been used for almost 4 years now. I expect her to do very well in Paris but the narrative of a lot of people on here that she would have been peaking and dominating for years if the pandemic hadn’t happened is too much.
There was an “and” Mel used there, too.
Moderately disingenuous to point to only part of an explanation someone gives and say it’s “too much.”
Not as fast as Speedo Sectionals
400 IM – Passed by Old Grandpa 👵🏻 Kalisz and 😎 Rizzerland
200 IM – Passed by Shane the goat 🐐 Casas and MW 😈 (next man to break 1:54)
200 Fly – Smashed 🍆💦 by the Italian 🍕🇮🇹 and young goat Hellman 👶🏻
200 free – Qualifies 2nd with a 1:43:9 💪
“Shane the goat”, huh?
You really think 1:43.9 qualifies for 2nd?? Who qualifies 1st?
Now I’m wondering who’s going faster than 1:43.9
MA
I like your predictions Mel. I kind of hope he goes for the 200 free. I’d love to see him medal in that race and have the American men win the 800 free relay in WR time. If Carson focuses on 200’s they have a shot at that 800 title over GB.
I see Carson making it in the 400 IM and 200 IM if Casas doesn’t swim well its Carson’s to win along with Kalisz since Michael Andrew doesn’t swim it anymore…but the 200 fly and free solely depends on how well or how poorly he swims…