The 2018 TYR Derby Pro in Louisville has wrapped. But that doesn’t mean the fun should stop. We documented the entire weekend, which included more than you might think, and put it together in a recap video for your viewing pleasure. Let’s see what we’ve got here.
Stop 1: The Banquet – 6:30pm Friday night
It’s always a novelty seeing swimmers in anything but a swim suit, and especially in formal attire. I spent 2 days with the Louisville women’s team back in October, and I walked into the banquet and didn’t recognize half of them. It’s fun to put on a shirt, tie or dress with your nice shoes and go socialize for a while, which is exactly what the derby pro banquet consisted of. There was a silent auction, there was a real auction (with a real auctioneer who impressed every in the room with his bidding prowess), and of course there was food and drinks (the derby pie is a must). SwimSwam even got to introduce the 16 professional athletes on stage who were competing in the derby. And you know we’ve got embarrassing stories about everyone.
Stop 2: The Tour – 8:30am Saturday morning
Getting to walk the the gates at the Churchill Downs race track is an iconic event in itself. Getting to walk through the back gates of Churchill Downs into the stables themselves and interact with the jockeys and horses was on another level completely. The stables were a very down to earth environment, much like if you walked into a pool where Olympians were training. Everyone is smiling, laughing, and taking care of business. It was pretty awesome seeing the fastest athletes in the pool interact with the fastest athletes on land. And ironic to hear the swimmers admiring the body of an athlete that wasn’t their own.
Stop 3: The Derby – 4:30pm Saturday afternoon
Everyone loves a 50 shootout. It’s quick, it’s exciting, and with 16 of the worlds top sprinters, you’re bound to see some serious speed. It was exhilarating watching the pros interact with the 12 & under’s, as each pro was paired with a 12 & under as they were introduced to the crowd and walked out hand in hand. You can relive all the racing excitement just below:
Derby Pro 50 Free shootout Round 1 – Women
Derby Pro 50 Free shootout Round 1 – Men
Derby Pro 50 Free shootout Round 2 – Women
Derby Pro 50 Free shootout Round 2 – Men
