Race Video: Watch Jake Mitchell’s Electric One-Man 400 Freestyle Race – 3:45.86

2021 U.S. OLYMPIC SWIMMING TRIALS

When only Kieran Smith managed to get under the FINA A Olympic-qualifying standard during the A final of the men’s 400 freestyle at the 2021 US Olympic Trials, people began asking questions.

It wasn’t totally clear what would happen after a second man was unable to hit the qualifying time in the event. If there was enough room on the roster but no man qualified, we were left wondering who would be named to the team.

It briefly looked like the next man in line was going to be Zane Grothe who actually missed the A final, ending in 11th place overall, because he was the only man other than Smith who had cracked the FINA A during the qualifying period for the Tokyo Olympics.

That was until Jake Mitchell came back for his 3rd 400 freestyle of the meet after finishing in second during the A final with a  3:48.17 – more than a second off the required cut. Swimming along in the heat, Mitchell managed to swim his way to an incredible 3:45.86, getting under his original A final time of 3:48.17, his lifetime PB of 3:47.95, and the Olympic qualifying time of 3:46.78.

Thanks to NBC Sports on YouTube, we now have footage of Jake Mitchell‘s historic one-man Olympic-qualifying race. Watch the race below to see Mitchell likely swim his way on to the 2021 US Olympic team, should the roster cap allow it:

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Anonymous
2 years ago

Swim of the meet so far, in my opinion

tea rex
2 years ago

Let this be a reminder… SWIM YOUR OWN DAMN RACE!

Without the pressure of pacing off other swimmers, I bet half the 200/400 swimmers could have gone faster.

Last edited 2 years ago by tea rex
DLswim
2 years ago

Really bizarre that NBC decided to post a video that doesn’t include the entire race. Were they worried people would get bored if they watched the third 100?

Fly 100
2 years ago

The truth hurts.

Curious swimmer
2 years ago

This is disgraceful…. I feel like they only pulled this together because of the backlash from the viewers…. We don’t even get a full race video, Jake you deserve more. I will be rooting for your success in Tokyo and beyond

DLswim
Reply to  Curious swimmer
2 years ago

I’m sure Jake doesn’t care that much and is ecstatic to be going to Tokyo!

Marklewis
2 years ago

Jake looked so small, swimming alone in that big 10 lane pool in a basketball arena.

But he was fighting so hard, every stroke, every turn.

It was kind of heroic really.

super classy swim
2 years ago

okay so nbc had it recorded yet didn’t show it on tv ??

Coach Mike 1952
Reply to  super classy swim
2 years ago

of course!

Joris Bohnson
2 years ago

Geoblocked outside of the US of course, thank u NBC

There's no doubt that he's tightening up
Reply to  Joris Bohnson
2 years ago

VPN. Or hope Bobo Gigi comes in clutch