NCAA Champion and American record holder Kelsi Worrell will get her first crack at representing the United States in major international competition in just a few days at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.
Worrell will be swimming the 100m fly at the games, an event which she has shown great improvement during this season. Worrell broke the American record in the 100 yard fly at the 2015 NCAA Championships becoming the first woman ever under 50 seconds in the event. In the long course version of the event she’s quickly emerged as a major player on the world scene. She’s currently ranked 18th in the world in the 100m fly with a 58.24 from the Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa.
After her success at the NCAA Championships, Worrell has had to make the change over to long course meters in order to prepare for the Pan Am Games. As she’s made the transition, she’s seen plenty of improvement, “my transition to long course training and swims in competition since NCAAs have been going very well. I enjoy training long course and I feel I have gotten stronger, not just physically, but mentally as well. I especially love to race and have loved getting to race a lot this summer.”
Worrell has raced the 100m fly nine times since NCAAs, dipping under 59 seconds a total of four times. Heading into the Pan Am Games her biggest competitors will be two Canadians: Katerine Savard and Cal swimmer Noemie Thomas. Savard has already been a 57.76 this season and Thomas was a 58.08 at trials.
Although Worrell is currently in a position to medal, she’s not particularly worried about times or where she places. “I’m not looking forward to any specific times or place on the podium this summer,” Worrell said. “My goal has always been to get better and enjoy the process of getting better, and if I go a couple best times and have a fun time doing it, then I will have exceeded my goals. Most importantly, I want to make my country proud.”
A best time for Worrell could lead her in the direction of a medal. This season she’s one of the top ranked American swimmers in the 100m fly with her time from the Arena Pro Swim Series at Mesa. Considering Worrell’s position, the Pan Am Games could possibly be the first of many international competitions for her. As of now, she’s excited for the chance to represent the United States.
“The chance to represent the U.S. in the sport I love is a dream come true. I have always imagined wearing my name on a USA cap and this opportunity a huge honor.” said Worrell.
Representing the United States will be a completely new experience for the Lousiville swimmer, something she’s excited about, “I’m most excited to see what a “games” experience is like. I’ve only heard about my teammate’s experiences and am excited to have my own experience and memories that I can share with others.”
Worrell is one of the younger swimmers going to the competition. American veterans like Natalie Coughlin and Cullen Jones will also be representing the United States. “It is an honor to be on this team with some of the swimmers I’ve looked up to my whole swimming career and am privileged to swim along side of them,” said Worrell.
With many of the top competitors in the world heading to the World Championships in Kazan, Russia this summer as opposed to the Pan Am Games, Worrell will have the opportunity to put up fast times in Toronto that might compete with those that will be swum at Worlds. When asked what she would need to do in order to put up times like that Worrell replied, ” I just need to do my best, I have put in the work over the past year, and the rest is in God’s hands.”
This will be Worrell’s first time venturing north of the border. When asked what she expected in Canada, Worrell said, “I am expecting a very warm welcome, some maple syrup, and some hockey. I’ve seen photos of the pool and village Toronto has for the games, and I know they have put their best into these games, making it a trip of the lifetime.”
The swimming portion of the Pan Am Games will run from July 14th-18th.
Kelsi is so driven and competitive above being naturally talented swimmer. Her career is just getting started!- and that is scary exciting
Can’t wait to see her light it up!
Really excited to see if she can convert her huge SCY progression into long course.
If yes, something between 57 and 57.50 is possible now.
I feel that Kelsi has a wide shoulder span that gives her incredible stokes! She has alot of confidence and drive to make it worth wild! Go “WORRELL”!!! USA
Nothing against Worrell but hasent Katie Mclaughlin and Kendyl Stewart been faster from the Fran Crippen Meet in Mission Veijo?
Competing off season doesn’t say anything except “OK, I need to work on this next time”. The tapered times is what counts. Comparing these girls now is not fair. Many swimmers don’t swim well in season, but do awesome tapered. Kelsi did amazing at NCAA’s and never under estimate Claire.